Hot mulled apple juice is a deliciously spiced and warming drink that can be enjoyed anytime. It's a great non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine, perfect for serving to children or guests who are driving.
I love mulled wine or cider, particularly once we hit December and the festivities start. However, there are times when I don't want to drink alcohol! That's when the idea for this mulled apple juice recipe came about.
Warm, spiced apple juice is my go to non alcoholic festive drink. However, I start making this as soon as we hit September, where my thoughts always turn to apples and cinnamon. Take outdoors in a flask for a winter picnic, whilst trick or treating, or on bonfire night.
I used to make mulled spiced apple juice when enjoying a Christmas crafting afternoon with my kids. We'd all drink this while making something like our own Reindeer Food.
Why you'll love this recipe
- The perfect non alcoholic alternative to mulled wine or cider.
- Make ahead and warm up when your guests arrive.
- Feed a crowd as this recipe is easily increased to serve a large group of people.
- Uses only 4 ingredients and is both gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
- Pack into a thermos and you have the perfect warm drink on the go, ideal for long winter walks or picnics.
Recipe ingredients
- Juice - I use a litre carton of fresh apple juice to serve 4-6 people (depending on cup size).
- Spices - I flavour the apple juice with a whole cinnamon stick and ½ nutmeg (grated).
- Citrus - I also add 3 long strips of orange peel to the juice.
How to make hot mulled apple juice
- Pour the apple juice into a large saucepan and add the remaining ingredients.
- Do not add the whole orange as this will overpower the apple. Simply add three long strips of orange peel.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe variations
- Juice - if you're not too keen on apple juice, then substitute with something like cranberry juice and add the same spices. If you are having a Christmas party of course, you could serve both, or even try a mix of both juices, as apple and cranberry is a great flavour pairing.
- Citrus - swap the orange zest for a few slices of other citrus, try mandarins, clementines or lemon.
- Spices - I keep the spices simple so I don't overpower the apple. I opted for cinnamon and nutmeg, but you could also add whole cloves, star anise or allspice berries. Just don't add them all!
- Ginger - apple and ginger are a great flavour pairing so you could also add a little ginger to the mix. However, don't be heavy handed as you want apple to be the dominant flavour.
Serving suggestions
I like to make a pan of this delicious warm spiced apple juice before I head out for a winter walk. Then when we all get home I just need to heat it up again and serve. You could also put it into a thermos and take it with you! It's perfect with my Spiced Christmas Cookies, Mincemeat Cookies, or these Spiced Flapjacks.
Useful hints and tips
- Simmer gently to avoid reducing the liquid too much, otherwise the apple juice will become syrupy.
- Don't overload with orange and spices or you will overpower the apple flavour.
- Containing no gluten or dairy this is suitable for coelicas, gluten free, dairy free and vegan diners.
- Allergy advice: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.
FAQs
This is a great drink to make ahead of time, and heated up again once guests arrive. Aside from making thing's much easier in terms of preparation, your kitchen will smell divine!
Yes, absolutely! Apple juice is great heated up, enjoy it as it is, or add some warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or allspice berries.
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Additional recipe suggestions
Try some of my favourite seasonal recipes:
- Mulled Pears
- Blood Orange Cake
- Brandy Snaps with Clementine cream
- Spiced Christmas Cookies
- Profiteroles with Chestnut Cream
- Christmas Pavlova
Hot Mulled Apple Juice Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Vegetable peeler
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 l carton of fresh apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ nutmeg (grated)
- 1 orange (pare off 3 long strips of orange peel)
Instructions
- Pour the apple juice into a large saucepan and add the remaining ingredients.
- Do not add the whole orange as this will overpower the apple. Simply add three long strips of orange peel.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •
Marie says
Love this recipe and making a batch for a bonfire night tomorrow. Something that both kids and driving adults can have and so simple to make. Quite happy to drive tomorrow!
Lesley says
Thank you Marie, I love this easy mulled apple juice, it's ideal for warming everyone up on Bonfire night.
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder says
Such a lovely alternative to alcoholic mulled wine. I love subtle flavourings that let apple juice shine through instead of being overpowered. Perfect festive drink!
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
This is such a great idea! I love mulled wine, but there are occasions when I need to drive but still want something festive to drink - this would be perfect! Eb x
Lesley says
Thank you Eb, this is exactly why I started making this recipe. I love mulled wine, but often found myself missing out due to driving. We all love it. Lesley x
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
I love the sound of this. The flavours sound delicious!
Lesley says
Thank you Cat, its such a simple straightforward recipe, ideal for serving to the whole family. Lesley
Jacqui Bellefontaine says
I love mulled apple juice when its cold very comforting and so simple im not sure why its not made more often. Thank you for the timely reminder I shall put your version to the test 🙂 Thank you for linking to #CookBlogShare.
Lesley says
Thank you Jacqui, it's a firm favourite in our house, we all love it. Lesley