Ingredient: cinnamon sticks

I find that hot mulled apple cider is a great alternative to alcoholic beverages at a holiday party. It also adds a delectable aroma to the air. It’s no fuss and definitely irresistible.  I’ve provided two options – traditional stovetop and Instant Pot or slow cooker. I prefer unsweetened apple juice. The spices more than compensate for the additional sugar.

You may ask why would I make this in the Instant Pot if it takes over 30 minutes longer? The answer is, less liquid tends to evaporate using the lockable lid, and I don’t have to watch the stove to see if the heat needs to be adjusted. I can also plug the IP into the room downstairs where I am hosting the party rather than leaving it on the stovetop in the kitchen.

Also note that for the Instant Pot, the slow cooker function is being used, not the pressure cooking function. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, it works well in a standard slow cooker too.

Print Recipe

Hot Mulled Cider

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

60 to 90 minutes

Passive Time

60 to 90 minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

• 16 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider Unsweetened is recommended
• 4 2-inch cinnamon sticks
• 2 oranges
• 8 whole cloves
• 6 star anise

Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 60 to 90 minutes Passive Time 60 to 90 minutes Servings people Ingredients 16 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider Unsweetened is recommended 4 2-inch cinnamon sticks 2 oranges 8 whole cloves 6 star anise

Instructions

Stovetop

1. Slice oranges crosswise into 1/2 inch rounds. Cut slices into quarters with peels and juice.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for an hour.
3. Pour into mugs and serve.

Instructions for Instant Pot

1. Slice oranges crosswise into 1/2 inch rounds. Cut slices into quarters with peels and juice
2. Add all ingredients, close and lock lid.
3. Set valve to venting.
4. Press "slow cook" and adjust to less.
5. Set time to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
6. Retain on keep warm setting while serving. Substituting a 9 inch standard pot lid will make it easier for the guests to serve themselves.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/hot-mulled-cider-recipe-1914496

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