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.
Mulled wine is lovely, but I enjoy a change, and warm cider with rum is easy and comforting. The cinnamon, cloves and citrus warm up the kitchen, and the cider keeps the drink light and fruity. I like to serve it in sturdy mugs while we talk by the table.
Saúl’s Tip
Keep the cider at a gentle steam, with only tiny bubbles at the edge. If it boils, the aromas fade and the flavor turns flat.
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.
- No alcohol? Use fresh apple cider (the non-alcoholic kind) in place of the hard cider and replace the rum with 1/4 cup extra strong black tea.
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.
