Mulled Cider

The mulled cider we enjoy today is the child of an ancient drink called “Wassail," which is from the Old Norse ves heill, or "good health". Wasailling began in the Middle Ages and involved either going door-to-door singing carols and wishing your neighbors well during the holidays, or going as a community to visit an orchard and sing to the trees to encourage a good harvest for the next year. Wassailing Day was celebrated on Twelfth Night, which is around January 6th.

Mulled cider is a breeze to prepare. The most labor intensive part of this recipe is tying the knot in some cheesecloth as you make a sachet for your mulling spices. Make sure you get a great quality apple cider so you can get distinctive flavor. Our recipe recommends warming the cider for 10 minutes, but you can also go a little longer as the flavors will further harmonize together. Be sure to keep an eye on a heat; you want to simmer, not boil. Serve with a cinnamon stick to help really amp the cozy autumn vibes.

While we make this recipe with family- and kid-friendly apple cider, this can also be made with hard cider or wine.