Mulled Apple Cider with Clementine and Rosemary

This clementine mulled apple cider is a cozy, aromatic non-alcoholic holiday drink made with gently simmered apple cider, fresh clementines, warming spices, and a hint of rosemary. It’s comforting, fragrant, and perfectly suited for winter evenings, Christmas gatherings, or slow festive afternoons.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

As the days get shorter and the evenings call for something warm and comforting, a pot of mulled cider feels like the perfect answer. This version leans into bright citrus and gentle herbs while keeping the spices balanced and soothing. So, let’s dive into this Festive Mulled Apple Cider with Clementine and Rosemary.

Why You’ll Love This Clementine Mulled Apple Cider

• Cozy and warming: Gently mulled with classic winter spices for a comforting, aromatic drink.
• Naturally festive: Clementines and rosemary add brightness and seasonal character without overpowering the cider.
• Non-alcoholic: A perfect holiday option for everyone at the table.
• Flexible: Easy to adjust sweetness or dilute slightly to taste.
• Make-ahead friendly: Keeps warm beautifully on the stovetop for gatherings.

Flavour Profile

This festive mulled apple cider is smooth and gently sweet, with warm notes of cinnamon, clove, star anise, and nutmeg. Clementines bring a soft citrus lift, while rosemary adds a subtle herbal backbone that keeps the drink from feeling overly sweet or heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

For this clementine mulled apple cider, you’ll need a short list of simple, aromatic ingredients.

• Apple cider: The base of the drink, providing natural sweetness and depth.
  • Apple cider is made from fresh apples that are crushed and pressed, typically left unfiltered and unclarified, which gives it a deeper flavour, natural cloudiness, and more pronounced apple character. Apple juice, on the other hand, is usually filtered, clarified, and often pasteurized for a longer shelf life, resulting in a clearer appearance and lighter, sweeter taste. Because of its fuller body and complexity, apple cider is the preferred choice for warming drinks like mulled cider, where spices and citrus can infuse without being overwhelmed.
• Water (optional): Can be added if the cider is very sweet, helping balance the flavours.
• Clementines: Sliced, with peel on, for gentle citrus aroma and brightness.
• Fresh rosemary: A small sprig adds a subtle herbal note without dominating.
• Cinnamon sticks: Classic warming spice that anchors the cider.
• Star anise: Adds soft licorice notes and festive aroma.
• Whole cloves: Deep, warming spice that complements apple and citrus.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch for warmth and depth.
• Honey: Added at the end, only if needed, to sweeten to taste.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Add a strip of orange or lemon peel for extra citrus aroma.
• Swap rosemary for thyme for a softer herbal note.
• Add a splash of brandy or triple sec for a boozy version when serving.
• Stir in a small splash of vanilla extract at the end for gentle sweetness and roundness.

How to Make Festive Mulled Apple Cider

To make this clementine mulled apple cider, combine the apple cider, sliced clementines, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Also add some water if your cider is quite sweet. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it infuse for 15-20 minutes, keeping it below a boil to preserve flavour. Taste and add honey at the end only if additional sweetness is needed; add a splash of water if the cider is too sweet. Strain if desired and serve hot.

More Festive Holiday Drinks

Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this festive mulled apple cider? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Clementine Mulled Rum
• Festive Clementine Honey Tea with Brandy
• Holiday Spruce Tea – Cozy Winter Drink
• Festive Mulled Orange Brandy for Holidays

I’d love for you to try this Festive Clementine Mulled Apple Cider. If you give this holiday drink a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Festive Mulled Apple Cider with Clementine and Rosemary

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Clementine mulled apple cider gently simmered with spices and rosemary. A warm, non-alcoholic holiday drink for cozy winter evenings.

Course: Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Christmas, Festive Holiday DrinksCuisine: European-inspired, American-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, not apple juice

• up to 1 cup (240 ml) water, optional, to dilute if cider is very sweet

• 2 –3 clementines, sliced

• 1 small sprig fresh rosemary

• 2 c innamon sticks

• 5 –6 whole cloves

• 1 star anise

• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 –2 tbsp honey (15–30 ml), to taste, optional and added at the end

Directions

• Combine apple cider, water (if the cider is sweet and you’d like to dilute it), clementines, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for about 20 minutes, without boiling. Taste and add honey if needed. Strain if desired and serve hot. Enjoy!