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–+ servings

Mulled Apple Juice Mocktail

Mulled Apple Juice Mocktail Recipe
This mulled apple juice mocktail is a cozy, spiced, non-alcoholic drink with apple juice, warming spices, and citrus. It’s festive, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights or holiday gatherings.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine mesh strainer or sieve
  • Ladle
  • Heat-resistant mugs or glasses

Ingredients

  • 1 liter unsweetened apple juice homemade or store-bought
  • 1 orange sliced, plus more for garnish
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5-6 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 4 allspice berries or 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3-4 cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced thin
  • zest or peel of 1 orange
  • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup to taste
  • ground nutmeg optional, pinch
  • 0.5 cup pomegranate juice or cranberry juice optional, for tartness

Instructions

  • Pour apple juice into your saucepan or slow cooker.
  • Add orange slices, zest, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and cardamom.
  • Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup, and add pomegranate or cranberry juice if using.
  • Gently simmer for 15–20 minutes (stove) or 1–2 hours (slow cooker), stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  • Strain out spices and orange slices. Ladle into mugs and garnish as you like.

Notes

Keep to a gentle simmer—don’t let it boil for best flavor. Use ground spices if you don’t have whole. Add extra cinnamon for a stronger spiced flavor. Homemade or store-bought apple juice both work great. Serve warm for maximum coziness.