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Warm Spiked Mulled Apple Cider (Pairing)

This recipe took first place in Battle of the Bacon—a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and smoke, starring Pederson’s Farms bacon and a boozy mulled cider that tastes like fall in a cup.
Make it at home, share it with friends, and you’ll understand why this one took home 1st place at Bacon Bash Texas 2025!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 mugs
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: Fall, Texas
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon 128 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods optional
  • 1 medium orange sliced (with peel)
  • 1 small apple sliced
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar optional, to taste
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger or ½ tsp ground
  • 1½ cups bourbon spiced rum, or apple brandy (to taste)
  • Garnish: cinnamon sugar or thin apple slice optional

Instructions
 

  1. In a large pot, combine cider, spices, orange slices, apple slices, and ginger.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer 30–40 minutes to infuse.
  3. Sweeten with maple syrup and brown sugar to taste.
  4. Off heat, stir in bourbon/rum/brandy. (Do not boil after adding alcohol.)
  5. Ladle into cups (3 oz for tastings). Garnish if desired.

Notes

  • Non-alcoholic: Skip the spirits for a family-friendly version.
  • Batch service: Keep on “warm” in a slow cooker for events.