Mulled wine is a favourite drink of mine in the winter, but when I was pregnant, I needed to seek a non-alcoholic alternative. This is a great option for kiddos and non-drinkers! This recipe is for a hot apple cider but with a warm, seasonal twist!

There is always the option to collect ingredients to make your own mulling spices but I like to buy them pre-made. This is partially because it’s easier, but also because I found a blend that I love. My go-to is Silk Road Spice Merchant’s Mulling Spices.

Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider:

• 1 Litre of apple juice
• 2 Tbsp Mulling Spices
• Muslin bag or cheese cloth
• 1 orange, sliced
• 6″ cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Optional: 2 Tbsp sugar or honey
• Optional: Apple slices for garnish

Instructions for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider:

1. Tie the spices up in the muslin bag or a piece of cheese cloth. You want to use a more open bag like this rather than a tea bag.
2. Spices require simmering for awhile to begin releasing their flavours. Because we’re using apple juice and not wine, there is no worry of cooking out any of the alcohol so simmer away!
3. Heat the apple juice gently on the stove until it is warm, but don’t allow it to boil! The longer you keep the spices in, the more intense the flavour will be. You’ll find that it’s usually ready in 5-15 minutes.
4. Optional: Add the sugar or honey to the pot and stir to dissolve.
5. Discard the spices.
6. Ladle the drink into warm mugs.
7. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and half an orange slice.
8. You can also pour the finished drink into a crock pot and keep it warm and ready-to-serve for hours. This also keeps nicely in a thermos for outdoor adventures!

If Mulled Wine is something you want to make, you can find my recipe for that here.