Spiced Mulled Apple Juice (Printable version)
A warming blend of apple juice infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus notes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Juice & Fruit
01 - 6 cups pure apple juice
02 - 1 orange, sliced
→ Spices
03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 4 whole cloves
05 - 3 star anise pods
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Sweetener (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Pour apple juice into a large saucepan and add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, and ground nutmeg.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a simmer; avoid boiling.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to infuse flavors.
04 - Taste the mulled juice and add honey or maple syrup according to preference.
05 - Strain the mulled juice into mugs, discarding solids, and serve hot. Garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick if preferred.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It makes your whole house smell like a cozy cafe without any effort.
- Takes barely any time but tastes like you fussed over it for hours.
- Everyone can enjoy it—no alcohol, no dairy, just pure spiced comfort.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day, sometimes even better.
02 -
- Do not let this boil—high heat turns the spices bitter and burns off the fragrance you worked to build.
- If you skip straining and leave the spices in too long, the cloves will take over and make it medicinal.
- Fresh ginger is key—ground ginger tastes flat and dusty by comparison.
03 -
- Use a vegetable peeler to slice the ginger thin—it releases more flavor without overpowering the pot.
- If you're making this ahead, strain it immediately after simmering so it doesn't get too intense.
- Cloudy apple juice from the farmers market or a good brand makes all the difference—cheap juice tastes flat no matter what you add.