Now that the weather is starting to cool down (a little!), I’m looking forward to cozying up on the couch with a blanket and a warm drink. Warm mulled cider is a popular cold-weather drink around here! This version is even tastier with the added health benefits of elderberries.
Unlike tart cranberries, elderberries add a musky, soft flavor. It pairs really well with sweet apples and aromatic spices. You can make it on the stove or in a crock pot. Either way, your house will smell great!
Mulled Apple Cider
Apple cider is a traditional fall drink made with cider and mulled spices. Some recipes call for adding brown sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners. I find that apples are very sweet on their own when ripe. Unlike filtered apple juice, cider is richer and more flavorful.
The same spices can be used in wine to make a mulled wine recipe. You can also find my slow cooker apple cider recipe here. This version uses apple slices cooked in water instead of apple cider. It’s easier to make from scratch when you have plenty of seasonal apples.
Beneficial spices
Spices not only add flavor, they also have powerful health benefits. Warm spices support the immune system in winter. Flavors like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, and fresh ginger. These have natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which help prevent winter illnesses. Plus, they help keep you feeling warm and cozy.
Spices like cinnamon and cloves are anti-inflammatory, meaning they draw blood to the surface of the skin. With more circulation in our outer layers, we feel warmer and more refreshed. They also help with digestion (just in case you’ve had too many Christmas cookies!).
What makes this mulled cider recipe special is the addition of elderberries. This provides the flu-fighting, antiviral properties of elderberry syrup in a warm drink. Elderberries themselves don’t taste great, but they enhance the effects of the cider. Click here to learn more about the benefits of elderberries.
Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Mulled Cider
I often make it in the slow cooker so I don’t have to worry about it on the stove. Either version is fine, but I recommend cooking it with the lid off. The enticing smell of warm apples and spices wafts through the air, adding to the seasonal feel. Make it for Halloween or Christmas and serve it to your guests (or family).
Cider Ingredients Options
There are so many different combinations and variations you can make with mulled cider. If you have pre-made mulled spices, they are also great to use with elderberries. Here are some options:
- Whole allspice berries
- Cardamom pods
- Cranberry juice
- fresh ginger slices
- peppercorns
- Cinnamon stick
- Whole clove
- Orange slices or orange peel
- Lemon slice
The recipe below is my favorite, but feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients to your own taste.
Elderberry Mulled Cider Recipe
This fragrant mulled cider features the health benefits of elderberry. It’s a great way to warm up and boost your immune system during the colder months!
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Place the apple cider, elderberries, fruit pieces, and spices in a large pot or Dutch oven.
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Bring to a boil and then simmer on very low heat for an hour.
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Once the cider has taken on a fragrant aroma, strain the spices and fruits through a sieve or cheesecloth. These can be composted.
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Pour the cider into a mug, decorate as desired, and drink it warm.
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Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat or eat cold before serving.
Nutritional Information
Elderberry Mulled Cider Recipe
Serving Size (1 cup)
calorie 159
5 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
province 0.5g1%
0.1g saturated fat1%
0.2g polyunsaturated fat
Monounsaturated fat 0.03g
sodium 13mg1%
potassium 367mg10%
carbohydrate 39g13%
2g fiber8%
32g sugar36%
protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 55IU1%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
calcium 46mg5%
steel 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Intake is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- You can also make it in a slow cooker. Add the ingredients and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
- Do not use uncooked dried elderberries as a garnish. Elderberries can cause digestive problems if they are not cooked first.
Elderberry Cider Garnish
Grab your favorite mug and add a few more garnishes if you like. Try adding fresh apple slices or orange slices after the cider has been boiled and strained. You can also stir in a large cinnamon stick to add some flavor. Or you can add a little rum to make a hot toddy.
If you want more elderberry recipes, try this elderberry jelly. My kids love it!
What spices do you like in your mulled cider? Let us know by leaving a comment!
