Warm Mulled Hard Cider with Rum
Warm mulled hard cider with rum is a cozy Christmas drink made in 15 minutes. Cider, spices and clementines simmer gently. Serves 6, with a non-alcoholic option.
Warm mulled hard cider with rum is an easy Christmas drink that fills the kitchen with the smell of spice and citrus. It takes about 15 minutes and serves six. It is a lighter, fruitier alternative to mulled wine.
Tips for Success
- Choose a dry cider. Sweet ones can make the drink too sugary.
- Keep the heat low. A gentle warm-up pulls out flavor without cooking off the rum.
- Crush the cardamom pods lightly so they release their aroma.
- Taste before serving and add a little more sugar if you like.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make the drink up to 2 days ahead, strain out the spices and cool it. Remove the cloves before storing. Reheat gently on the stove without boiling.
Variations
- Use brandy or bourbon instead of rum.
- Swap clementines for orange slices.
- Make it kid-friendly with the apple and lemon juice version.
Warm Mulled Hard Cider with Rum
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the cider, rum and tea into a wide saucepan.
- Add the brown sugar and set the pan over low heat.
- Cut the clementines in half and press one clove into each half. Add them to the pan.
- Break the cinnamon sticks in half and add them with the bay leaves and cardamom.
- Heat slowly until the drink is steaming and nearly simmering. Do not let it boil hard.
- Turn the heat down to keep it warm.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs and float an apple slice in each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes. Replace the cider and rum with 4 cups apple juice and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice. Taste before adding the sugar, since you may not need it.
Can I make mulled cider ahead?
Yes. Make it, strain out the spices, and cool it. Remove the cloves before storing because they can turn bitter. Keep it covered and cool for up to 2 days.
How do I reheat mulled cider?
Warm it gently over low heat. Do not boil it, or the alcohol will cook off and the flavor will dull.
