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Now that the weather is starting to turn (a little!) cooler I’m in the mood for cozy blankets and warm drinks on the sofa. Hot mulled cider is a cold-weather favorite around here! This version adds the health boosting benefits of elderberry for an even tastier version.

Unlike tart cranberries, elderberry adds a milder flavor with musky undertones. It combines really nicely with the sweet apples and fragrant spices. You can make it on the stovetop or cook it in the crock pot. Either way, it makes the house smell so good!

Mulled Apple Cider

Apple cider is a traditional fall favorite made with mulling spices and cider. Some recipes also call for adding brown sugar, maple syrup, or other sweeteners. I find that once it’s cooked down the apples add plenty of sweetness on their own. Unlike apple juice that’s been filtered, cider is richer and more flavorful.

The same spices also work in wine to make a recipe for mulled wineYou can also find my slow cooker apple cider recipe here. This version, instead of using apple cider, uses apple slices cooked in water. I find it easier to make from scratch when we have plenty of seasonal apples on hand.

Useful Spices

Spices not only add flavor, but they have some potent health benefits. Warming spices support the immune system during the winter months. Flavors like cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom pods, and fresh ginger. They’re naturally antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal to help ward off winter illness. Plus they help us to feel warm and cozy.

Spices like cinnamon and clove are rubefacients, drawing blood to the skin’s surface. More circulation in our outer layer means we feel more toasty and refreshed. They also help with digestion (for those times we’ve had one too many Christmas cookies!).

What makes this mulled cider recipe different is the addition of elderberries. This gives it the flu-fighting anti-viral benefits of elderberry syrup but in a warm drink. On their own elderberries don’t have much flavor, but they enhance the benefits of the cider. You can read more about benefits of elderberry here.

Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop Mulled Cider

I’ll often make this in my slow cooker so I don’t have to babysit it on the stove. Either version will work but I recommend cooking it with the lid off. The inviting smell of warm apples and spices wafting through the air adds to the seasonal ambiance. Make it on Halloween or Christmas day before serving it to guests (or your family).

Cider Ingredient Options

There are so many different combinations and variations you can do with mulled cider. If you have some pre-made mulling spices, feel free to use those along with the elderberry. Some options include:

whole allspice berries
cardamom pods
cranberry juice
fresh ginger slices
peppercorns
cinnamon sticks
whole cloves
orange slices or orange peel
lemon slices

The recipe below is what I like best, but feel free to tweak the amounts and ingredients to your preference.

Elderberry Mulled Cider Recipe

This fragrant mulled cider features the health benefits of elderberries. A great way to warm up and boost the immune system in cooler months!

Add the apple cider, elderberries, fruit slices, and spices to a large pot or Dutch oven.

Bring to a boil then reduce to very low heat for an hour.

Once the cider is fragrant, strain out the spices and fruit with a strainer or cheesecloth. These can be composted.

Ladle the cider into mugs, garnish as desired, and drink warm.

Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving or try it cold.

Nutrition Facts

Elderberry Mulled Cider Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 159
Calories from Fat 5

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.5g1%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%

Polyunsaturated Fats 0.2g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.03g

Sodium 13mg1%

Potassium 367mg10%

Carbohydrates 39g13%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 32g36%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 55IU1%

Vitamin C 15mg18%

Calcium 46mg5%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

You can also make this in the slow cooker. Add the ingredients and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.
Do not add uncooked, dried elderberries as a garnish. Elderberries can cause digestive issues if not cooked first.
Garnishing Elderberry Cider

Pull out your favorite mug and add a few garnishes if you like. After the cider is cooked and strained, try some fresh apple slices or orange slices. You can even use a large cinnamon stick to stir and add flavor. Or you can make it into a hot toddy with the addition of a little rum.

If you want some more elderberry recipes, try these elderberry gummies. My kids love them!

What spices do you like in your mulled cider? Leave a comment and let us know!