Now that the weather is starting to turn (a little!) cooler I’m in the mood for cozy blankets and warm drinks on the sofa. Hot mulled cider is a cold-weather favorite around here! This version adds the health boosting benefits of elderberry for an even tastier version.
Unlike tart cranberries, elderberry adds a milder flavor with musky undertones. It combines really nicely with the sweet apples and fragrant spices. You can make it on the stovetop or cook it in the crock pot. Either way, it makes the house smell so good!
Mulled Apple Cider
Apple cider is a traditional fall favorite made with mulling spices and cider. Some recipes also call for adding brown sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners. I find that once it’s cooked down the apples add plenty of sweetness on their own. Unlike apple juice that’s been filtered, cider is richer and more flavorful.
The same spices also work in wine to make a mulled wine recipe. You can also find my slow cooker apple cider recipe here. This version, instead of using apple cider, uses apple slices cooked in water. I find it easier to make from scratch when we have plenty of seasonal apples on hand.
Beneficial Spices
Spices not only add flavor, but they have some potent health benefits. Warming spices support the immune system during the winter months. Flavors like cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom pods, and fresh ginger. They’re naturally antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal to help ward off winter illness. Plus they help us to feel warm and cozy.
Spices like cinnamon and clove are rubefacients, drawing blood to the skin’s surface. More circulation in our outer layer means we feel more toasty and refreshed. They also help with digestion (for those times we’ve had one too many Christmas cookies!).
What makes this mulled cider recipe different is the addition of elderberries. This gives it the flu-fighting anti-viral benefits of elderberry syrup but in a warm drink. On their own elderberries don’t have much flavor, but they enhance the benefits of the cider. You can read more about elderberry’s benefits here.
Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Mulled Cider
I’ll often make this in my slow cooker so I don’t have to babysit it on the stove. Either version will work but I recommend cooking it with the lid off. The inviting smell of warm apples and spices wafting through the air adds to the seasonal ambiance. Make it on Halloween or Christmas day before serving it to guests (or your family).
Cider Ingredient Options
There are so many different combinations and variations you can do with mulled cider. If you have some pre-made mulling spices, feel free to use those along with the elderberry. Some options include:
- whole allspice berries
- cardamom pods
- cranberry juice
- fresh ginger slices
- peppercorns
- cinnamon sticks
- whole cloves
- orange slices or orange peel
- lemon slices
The recipe below is what I like best, but feel free to tweak the amounts and ingredients to your preference.