Mulled Winterberry Cider

Wrap yourself in the cozy warmth of the holiday season with this Mulled Winterberry Cider, a fragrant and flavorful beverage perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apple cider with the tart vibrancy of frozen winterberries—cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries—for a unique twist on a traditional mulled drink. Slices of fresh orange and warming spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg infuse the cider with comforting aromas and bold depth. Sweetened gently with brown sugar or honey, this easy 35-minute recipe simmers to perfection, creating a delightful, spiced cider that’s best served hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or fresh berries. Whether shared around a crackling fire or sipped solo, this drink delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spice for winter sipping.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups apple cider
• 1 cup mixed frozen winterberries (cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
• 1 orange
• 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider and water over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the mixed frozen winterberries to the saucepan.

Step 3

Slice the orange into rounds and add the slices to the cider mixture.

Step 4

Stir in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and ground nutmeg.

Step 5

If desired, add the brown sugar or honey for sweetness to taste.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.

Step 7

Once the cider is fragrant and warmed through, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or bowl to remove the fruit and spices.

Step 8

Pour the strained cider into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few fresh winterberries for a festive touch.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2138.2 grams (2138.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1073

Total Fat 5.70g	7%
Saturated Fat 1.00g	5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 114mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate 263.40g	96%
Dietary Fiber 29.50g	105%
Total Sugars 202.60g
Protein 7.40g	15%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 453mg	35%
Iron 6mg	35%
Potassium 2373mg	50%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 4.5%

Protein: 2.6%

Carbs: 92.9%