Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider is the perfect drink for cold weather. Our family has a tradition of serving this in the fall when the weather cools down and the days get darker.

This mulled drink simmers on the stove with tart cranberry and sweet apple flavors. The whole spices will warm you up from head to toe. Spiced Cider is always delicious, but the addition of the cranberry and orange makes it festive and the perfect Christmas drink.

Ingredients

This is a special drink to serve on Christmas Eve for the holidays, and your whole house will smell amazing.

64 oz apple cider or apple juice
32 oz unsweetened pure cranberry juice (not cranberry juice cocktail)
16 oz orange juice
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 small cinnamon sticks or one large stick
1 teaspoon whole cloves
½ teaspoon whole allspice
4 whole star anise
½ cup fresh cranberries
1 apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced thin

Instructions

Serve this at your next holiday party.

Add juices, sugar, and spices to a large pot. Bring to a low boil over medium heat. Turn down to low and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Add in sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries. Let simmer on low for five more minutes.
Use a straining spoon or pour through a strainer to remove spices and fruit slices. Discard fruit and spices.
Return cider to the pot and keep warm until ready to serve.
Serve in a mug and garnish with fresh apple slices, orange slices, and cranberries.

Storage

Keep one of the juice jugs and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a mug in the microwave.

Top Tip

*Do not leave fruit or spices for too long. The fruit peels will become bitter, and the spices can become too strong.

Looking for more drink recipes? Try these: