Citric Acid Free Vegan Mulled Cider
Warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this spiced cider is the kind of drink that makes a cold evening feel like a celebration. Apple cider simmers low and slow with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and black peppercorns until the whole kitchen smells incredible — no artificial additives or preservatives needed. A touch of maple syrup rounds out the sweetness naturally, and fresh orange rounds add brightness without any of the processed citric acid you'd find lurking in store-bought spiced cider mixes or flavored syrups. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, that last point matters more than it might seem — packaged mulled drinks and cider blends are notorious for sneaking it in as a preservative or flavor enhancer. Here, every ingredient is whole, recognizable, and easy to verify. The result is a beautifully layered, fragrant mug of something that tastes genuinely festive and feels completely safe to sip. Ladle it into your favorite mug with a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange slice, and it's practically ready for a holiday table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 6 cups apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For serving
- cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
- orange slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, star anise, and orange rounds in a medium saucepan. Stir in the maple syrup.
- 2
Bring the cider to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cider is fragrant and deeply spiced.
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