Easy Instant Pot recipe for hot spiced apple cider (mulled cider) from scratch, with apples infused with the warming flavors of cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
Tie the cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth to make a spice pouch. Core the apples and slice them into ¼-inch slices.
Turn the Instant Pot on. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ginger, spice pouch, orange peels (if using), and water into the Instant Pot. Stir well. Close the lid and set the vent to Sealing mode. Pressure cook for 15 minutes at high pressure.
Wait 10 minutes then release the pressure manually. Open the lid after the pin drops. Use a potato masher to stir and mash the apples.
Strain this apple mix through a strainer into a separate bowl, using a spatula to push down the pulp.
After you are done straining, strain the liquid once more, stirring lightly so the strainer holds back the pulp.
Serve hot on its own in mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick or add a dash of bourbon or rum to make a hard apple cider. For entertaining, select the "keep warm" mode on the instant pot and serve it straight out of the pot. Enjoy!
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Notes
Apples: This recipe for hot apple cider can be made with almost any variety of apples. I use Pink Lady or Gala apples for sweetness, and Granny Smith apples to give the cider a slight tart bite.
Don't discard the pulp after straining the cider for the second time. We use that pulp to make apple spice pancakes or apple spice cake.
Double or triple the recipe: It is easy to double-up this recipe and make it in large batches, which makes it perfect for serving during big get-togethers and holiday parties.
Hard Apple Cider: Follow a ratio of 4 parts apple cider to 1 part bourbon or rum. Taste and tweak to your liking.
Serve it warm: Keep it warm in the Instant Pot using the "keep warm" setting or on the Stove during parties, or reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
To enjoy it cold, cool for 15 minutes, then store in the refrigerator until chilled. Cider will keep in an airtight container for up to one week.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.