Mulled beverages are very popular at this time of year. They make warming libations for outdoor winter activities or cozy evenings in front of the fireplace. The mulled drinks I have made in the past were all wine based. This version is different. It is made with cranberry juice.
We experimented with the recipe when the five of us were all together and all agreed that is was a keeper. We also played around with various alcohols for spiked versions of the drink. Not surprisingly we each preferred it to be spiked with the alcohol we are most partial to. We tried gin, vodka, Fireball Whiskey, and bourbon, and all worked well with the cranberry base. Adding the full amount of honey makes for a sweet drink. For those who prefer more of a tart taste, use the amount of honey on the lower end of the range given in the recipe.
Cheers for happy gatherings and good healthy this holiday season!
Mulled Cranberry Cider
Mulled Cranberry Cider (adapted from allrecipes.com) Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts cranberry juice
- 2 oranges, zested
- 14 whole cloves
- 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1-1/3 cups honey, depending on taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
Directions:
Pour cranberry juice into a slow cooker set on high or on the stove over low heat. Add the honey to the juice.
Add the honey to the cranberry juice.
Stir the zest from the oranges, along with the cloves, cranberries, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks into the juice and honey mixture. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the cider is hot and steamy, about 20 minutes. Strain the spices and seasonings out of the cider.
Stir in the zest, along with the cloves, cranberries, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks.
For a spiked version, add 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of gin, vodka, Fireball Whiskey, or bourbon. Garnish with whole cranberries and a cinnamon stick. Serve warm.
Seasonal & warming!
Merry Christmas! ~Linda
Mulled Cranberry Cider (adapted from allrecipes.com) Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts cranberry juice
- 2 oranges, zested
- 14 whole cloves
- 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1-1/3 cups honey, depending on taste
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
Directions:
Pour cranberry juice into a slow cooker set on high or on the stove over low heat. Add the honey to the juice. Stir the zest from the oranges, along with the cloves, cranberries, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks into the juice and honey mixture. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the cider is hot and steamy, about 20 minutes. Strain the spices and seasonings out of the cider. For a spiked version, add 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of gin, vodka, Fireball Whiskey, or bourbon. Garnish with whole cranberries and a cinnamon stick. Serve warm.