Spiked Hot Apple Cider - Easy Mulled Apple Cider Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What alcohol goes well in apple cider? ›

Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

Here's the difference between apple cider and apple juice: Apple cider is just unfiltered apple juice that can be served hot or cold. Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples.

Sugar. Apple juice usually contains enough sugar to produce a hard cider containing 4 to 6% alcohol. If you want a cider with a higher alcohol content, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup at the beginning of the fermentation process.

1. Combine apple juice or apple cider with cloves and cinnamon in a microwaveable mug, cup or glass. 2. Heat in the microwave oven, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes.

On average, most hard ciders are 4.5% - 7% alcohol by volume (ABV), while some ciders have an ABV as high as 10% or 12%. Drier ciders usually have a higher ABV because the yeast consumes a majority of the cider's natural sugars.

Fresh apple slices, orange wedges, lemon twists, and even berries make great fruit garnishes for spiked cider and spiked cider co*cktails, adding visual appeal and flavor.

Full-bodied, dry and cloudy ciders that thins out when heated, are often a popular choice to mull. A sweet cider with a strong apple flavour is preferable, but it's also important that there's a hint of acidity to cut through the syrupy richness that too sweet a cider can result in.

Spiking Mulled Cider

Add alcohol to a single mug or the batch of cider after cooking so the alcohol doesn't cook off.

Very little alcohol will cook off. The boiling point of ethanol is 79C - you should WARM mulled wine and certainly not bring it anywhere near close to 79C.

Fresh apple cider doesn't contain alcohol. It's possible for unpasteurized cider to ferment over time and become alcoholic, creating hard apple cider. If you don't want your cider to become alcoholic, then it's best to drink it within two weeks of making it.

How long until apple cider becomes alcoholic? ›

Fermentation will usually take three to six weeks, depending on temperature and yeast, and once it has ceased, immediately siphon the cider off the sediment into a clean fermenter. Repeat this process after a few weeks or when another sediment has formed.

At room temperature and without added sugar, 4–5 days. If it's colder, or if you've added more sugar (to boost the alcohol), it could take weeks or even months. Generally, even refrigerated cider will begin fermenting noticeably within a week or two, unless it has preservatives in it to prevent microbial growth.

The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit, such as raisins, apples, or orange rind. Mulling spices can be bought prepackaged.

Cider contains more of apples' polyphenol compounds than clear commercial apple juice. Fresh cider from cider apples may contain from two to four times the amount of these healthful compounds compared to clear commercial apple juice because of the apple varieties used and the extra processing to make clear juice.

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

Mix your favorite bottle of white wine (even a sparkling option will do) with two to three cups of cider, a splash of brandy and a cinnamon stick. Stir together in a pitcher and garnish with orange and apple slices.

This apple cider co*cktail is so perfect for fall. Chilled apple cider poured over crushed ice, mixed with salted caramel vodka and topped off with ginger ale. It's refreshing and tastes like heaven. All the cozy vibes!

Cheese: Hard cider pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, and brie. Meat and Poultry: Hard cider is a great complement to pork, chicken and sausages, particularly when they are grilled or roasted. Seafood: Hard cider is a good pairing for seafood such as oysters, mussels, and shrimp.

Fresh apple cider doesn't contain alcohol. It's possible for unpasteurized cider to ferment over time and become alcoholic, creating hard apple cider. If you don't want your cider to become alcoholic, then it's best to drink it within two weeks of making it.