Bring the warmth of the season to your mug with my Date & Black Tea Mulled Cider recipe, a comforting twist on a holiday classic!
Perfect for sipping by the fire, sharing with loved ones at holiday gatherings, or as a non-alcoholic option at festive parties, it’s a versatile addition to your winter repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Festive Presentation: Garnish with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or fresh cranberries for a visually stunning holiday drink.
- Natural Sweetness: Dates provide a healthier alternative to refined sugar, adding a rich, nuanced sweetness.
- Pairs with Holiday Treats: Complements cookies, pies, and other festive desserts for a complete seasonal experience.
- Great for Outdoor Activities: A warm, portable drink ideal for sipping during winter walks, caroling, or holiday markets.
- Boosts Mood: The combination of spices and cider’s tangy warmth can help lift spirits and create a cozy atmosphere.
Ingredients & Equipment
Apple cider is the heart of this recipe, so choose a high-quality, unfiltered cider for a rich, natural flavor. The cider’s tangy sweetness complements the other ingredients perfectly, creating a balanced base.
Black tea adds depth and robustness to the drink. Opt for a strong, full-bodied tea like Assam or English Breakfast to ensure it stands up to the spices and cider. If using tea bags, ensure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Dates are the natural sweetener in this recipe, offering a caramel-like richness that harmonizes with the spices. Use soft, pitted dates like Medjool for easy blending and a smooth finish.
The spices—cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom—are essential for infusing the cider with warm, festive notes. Fresh whole spices work best, as they release more flavor during simmering. A slice of orange adds a subtle citrus brightness, balancing the sweetness and spices beautifully.
For equipment, you’ll need a medium-sized saucepan to simmer the ingredients. A fine-mesh sieve is necessary to strain out the tea leaves, spices, and date solids for a smooth drink.
If you plan to serve it in a festive way, consider clear mugs or cups to showcase the warm, amber tones of the cider. A ladle can also be handy for pouring the mulled cider into mugs without spilling. These simple tools help ensure the process is seamless and enjoyable.
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons loose-leaf black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
- 4-5 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 slice of orange (optional, for added citrus flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for additional warmth)
How To Make Date Black Tea Mulled Cider
Instructions:
- Combine the Ingredients
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the apple cider and water. Add the chopped dates, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slice (if using).
- Simmer the Mixture
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Black Tea
- Stir in the black tea leaves (or add the tea bags). Let the tea steep in the cider mixture for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea flavor.
- Strain and Serve
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. Discard the solids.
- Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve the mulled cider hot in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a few cranberries for a festive touch.
More Tips & Variations
- Add a Splash of Alcohol: For an adult twist, stir in a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or brandy after straining for a cozy, boozy treat.
- Use Herbal Tea: Swap black tea for a spiced herbal tea like chai or rooibos to add more layers of flavor without additional caffeine.
- Include Star Anise: Add a piece of star anise for a subtle licorice-like flavor and a visually appealing garnish.
- Try Pear Cider: Swap apple cider with pear cider for a fresh, fruity variation that adds a delicate sweetness.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for a creamy, dessert-like aroma that complements the spices.
- Incorporate Ginger: Add fresh ginger slices while simmering to give the drink a warming, spicy kick.
- Serve in Hollowed-Out Apples: For a stunning presentation, serve the mulled cider in hollowed-out apples instead of mugs.
Date & Black Tea Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea (or 2 black tea bags)
- 4-5 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 slice of orange (optional, for added citrus flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for additional warmth)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the apple cider and water. Add the chopped dates, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slice (if using).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the black tea leaves (or add the tea bags). Let the tea steep in the cider mixture for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea flavor.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. Discard the solids.
- Serve the mulled cider hot in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a few cranberries for a festive touch.
