There's a chill in the air, leaves are swirling, and pumpkins are grinning wickedly from every porch - it can only mean one thing: Fall is here. So, stash away your iced lattes and break out the cozy sweaters, because it's time to indulge in the season's favorite beverage. We're talking Mulled Cider, folks! But this ain't your granny's recipe, oh no. This is mulled cider 2.0, crafted lovingly with a soda machine and sparkling water. Because who said you can't add a little fizz to your fall? So, grab your fluffiest blanket, and your favorite book, and let's get brewing!

How to Make Mulled Cider

What Does Mulled Cider Mean?

Mulled cider is a traditional fall and winter drink made by simmering apple cider, or apple juice, with a variety of spices and sometimes adding a splash of alcohol. The term "mulled" simply means heated and spiced. Many cultures across the globe have their own version of this comforting beverage, but most recipes include common warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

When you take a sip of mulled cider, you're immersing yourself in a warm, sweet, and spiced symphony of flavors that feels like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on a crisp fall day. Our version adds a sprightly twist with the fizz of sparkling water, making it a bubbly treat for your taste buds!

Health Benefits of Mulled Cider

If you thought that mulled cider was just about the taste, then think again! This fizzy fall favorite packs quite the nutritional punch. Here are a few reasons why you should reach for a mug of mulled cider this season:

• Boosts Immunity: The apple juice in our mulled cider is chock-full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Regular consumption of vitamin C can help to strengthen your immune system, making it more resilient against illnesses and infections. On top of that, the citruses we've popped in here add a hefty dose of this immunity-boosting nutrient, making this bubbly brew a real health hero.
• Improves Digestion: Remember those warming spices we mentioned? Well, they do more than just tickle your tastebuds. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice are known for their digestive benefits. They can help soothe an upset stomach, reduce bloating, and even combat nausea. So, our mulled cider can help keep your tummy happy while you sip on it!
• Offers Hydration: Our tasty Mulled Cider recipe includes homemade sparkling water which is a great source of hydration. Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining good health, as it helps in digestion, keeps your skin glowing, and even boosts your cognitive functions. It's a tasty way to meet your daily water intake.
• Provides Essential Minerals: The sugar in this recipe isn't just for sweetness. It also provides quick energy, helping to fuel your brain and muscles. Moreover, apple juice contains a wide variety of minerals like potassium and magnesium that are essential for good heart health and maintaining bone strength. So, a mug of our fizzy mulled cider can help keep you energized and your body in tip-top shape.

Mulled cider is not just a delicious, comforting fall beverage, but also a nutritional powerhouse. It's rich in vitamin C from apple juice and citrus, supporting a robust immune system and fending off illnesses. The warming spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, aid in digestion and offer relief from common digestive discomforts. The addition of sparkling water in our version promotes hydration, essential for overall health, while the sugar provides quick energy and essential minerals for maintaining heart health and bone strength. So next time you're sipping on our fizzy mulled cider, know you're also nourishing your body!

Related Read: What is Vitamin D and How to Get More of it

What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is often viewed as a tasty alternative to flat water, but it offers more than just a bubbly burst of freshness. Here's how sipping on this fizzy delight can benefit your health:

• Promotes Hydration: Just like still water, sparkling water can keep your body hydrated, which is crucial for nearly every function in your body. It can maintain your body temperature, protect your tissues, and help your kidneys eliminate waste from your body.
• Aids in Digestion: If you occasionally suffer from indigestion or feel bloated after meals, sparkling water might be your fizzy friend. It's known to help with indigestion and improve swallowing.
• Keeps You Satiated: The bubbles in sparkling water can make you feel full, which can aid in controlling hunger pangs and promote weight loss.
• Provides Minerals: Some sparkling waters are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which can contribute to your daily nutritional needs.

So, when you're pouring yourself a glass of homemade sparkling mulled cider, remember, the bubbles aren't just there for fun, they also bring a host of health benefits! Cheers to that!

Related Read: The Truth About Sparkling Water and Your Teeth

The History of Mulled Cider

Mulled cider has been warming chilly hands for a long time, with its origins reaching back to the 2nd century. Yes, you heard that right - we've been sipping on this spiced delight for nearly two millennia! The Romans first began mulling cider as they expanded their empire across Europe, heating apple juice and infusing it with a variety of spices to create a warming, fortifying drink to help them withstand the frosty winters. As they conquered regions, the Romans spread their love for this spiced beverage.

Fast forward to the colonial era, and apple orchards were plentiful in the New England colonies. With apples aplenty, settlers began making their hard cider, often mulling it with spices to create a hot, comforting beverage during the harsh winters. They'd even serve it warmed with a heated poker right from the fireplace, creating what we now fondly call mulled cider.

In modern times, mulled cider is a staple at holiday gatherings, fall festivals, and winter carnivals. The traditional process of mulling cider has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, but with a few contemporary twists, like our fizzy version!

What's The Difference Between Apple Cider vs Mulled Cider?

While apple cider and mulled cider both originate from the same base — fresh, pressed apples — the difference lies in the preparation and flavor profile. Apple cider is essentially raw apple juice that hasn't been filtered, giving it a cloudy appearance and a robust, tangy taste. On the other hand, mulled cider is apple cider that's been heated, or "mulled," with various spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This simmering process imbues the cider with a warm, fragrant, and spiced flavor, creating a deliciously comforting beverage perfect for colder seasons. So, while apple cider is fresh and tangy, mulled cider is warm and spiced — both delightful in their own ways!

What Kind of Apples Should I Use To Make Mulled Cider?

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When choosing apples for your mulled cider, it's all a matter of personal taste. However, a mix of sweet and tart apples tends to yield the best flavor. Sweet apples like Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Cortland add natural sweetness, while tart apples like Granny Smith or McIntosh give a tangy kick to balance it out. If you're a fan of a rich, full-bodied cider, consider adding some bittersweet cider apples like Dabinett or Kingston Black. But remember, the magic of making your own mulled cider is in the personal touch, so feel free to play around and find your perfect apple blend!

Should I Peel My Apples?

Peeling your apples for mulled cider is not necessary, as the peels add depth of flavor and a lovely rustic touch to the brew. Furthermore, a significant portion of the apple's nutrients are found in the peel, including antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Just be sure to wash your apples thoroughly before using them to ensure they are free from any pesticides or wax. If you prefer a smoother texture for your cider, you can always strain the liquid after mulling.

Can I Use Any Soda Maker?

Absolutely, you can use any soda maker to create sparkling water for your mulled cider! Soda makers are incredibly versatile, and they all work on the same principle — infusing water with carbon dioxide from a CO2 canister to create those delightful bubbles. However, keep in mind that the quality and longevity of the fizz might vary from machine to machine. Some soda makers also let you control the level of carbonation, which can be useful if you prefer a gentler sparkle or a robust fizz in your cider. Remember to replace the CO2 canister as required to keep the bubbles flowing. In a nutshell, feel free to use your favorite soda maker for this recipe and get ready to bubble up some magic!

Sparkling This Fall With a Mulled Cider

Mulled cider is a delightful symphony of tangy apple juice and warm spices, all dancing together to create a beverage that not only tantalizes your tastebuds but also nourishes your body with a hearty dose of vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Its rich history, extending from the frosty winters of the Roman Empire to the cozy hearths of colonial New England, imbues it with a charmingly rustic allure that has stood the test of time. And the beauty of it? You can easily whip up this fizzy fall favorite in your own kitchen, putting your personal stamp on it with your preferred blend of apples. So as the leaves change color and the air turns nippy, why not warm your hands – and your heart – with a mug of homemade mulled cider?