Nothing speaks comfort like fall, and nothing speaks fall like wrapping our hands around a warm beverage. As the temperature drops and days become shorter, lay cozily on the couch, turn on the T.V., and let the powerful scent of apple, nutmeg, and cinnamon fill your home — it’s time to celebrate National Hot Mulled Cider Day. While most are acquainted with mulled ciders, on September 30 we bump it up a notch and mull it with spices, cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and nutmeg to celebrate the arrival of fall.
History of National Hot Mulled Cider Day
Before the pumpkin spiced latte took over, the American fall was marked by hot ciders and other spicy beverages. All it took was a single crimson leaf to drop for us to immerse ourselves in these hot wintery delights.
The end of September is a sign to get our affairs in order before the holiday season is upon us. Enjoy the solemn end of Spring with a hot mulled cider. Humans have been mulling their ciders and wines since the Ancient Greek period. A process of heating up alcoholic beverages to utilize leftover or substandard wine soon made a name of its own.
Americans have never tiptoed around their love for apples, and apple cider was embraced just as graciously after it was introduced to the continent by the Europeans. The first cider distillery in the U.S., called the Laird’s, was established in 1780 and is functioning to this day.
But the modern-day love for mulled ciders comes from its commercialization in the Victorian era. Lest we forget, it was Charles Dickens who immortalized mulled alcohol with the mention of ‘Smoking Bishop’ in his 1943 novel “A Christmas Carol.”
Although the origins of this specific holiday are unclear, isn’t National Hot Mulled Cider Day the perfect time to heat up our ciders, fill our homes with the sweetest aromas, and brace ourselves for the imminent chilly winds of October?
National Hot Mulled Cider Day timeline
Europeans spread through the continent and propagate apple farming and cider, which is the most common beverage of the period.
As people flock to cities and abandon farming, the production of apples and their cultivation dramatically decreases.
Pressured by the social movement against alcohol consumption, a prohibition against cider manufacturing is instituted by the government.
The interest in apple cider spikes again, it becomes the fastest-growing division of the liquor industry.
National Hot Mulled Cider Day FAQs
What is the best recipe for hot mulled cider?
In a deep vessel, pour a gallon of apple cider and bring it to a boil. In succession, add roasted spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice berries, etc), fresh fruits (cubed apples, peeled oranges), and brown sugar and bring them to a simmer.
Can we add fresh fruits to a mulled cider?
Yes. Fresh fruits bring great value and overall zing to the drink. Apples and oranges are an obvious favorite but you can add any citrus fruit into your mulled cider.
How long do we have to mull the cider?
You can either simmer the cider for thirty minutes or set it on a low flame for a considerable amount of time. Either way, the drink does not lose its essence.
How To Celebrate National Hot Mulled Cider Day
Send mulled cider gift baskets to your acquaintances
The cold winds are here, and so is the time to warm up to your peers. Fill gift baskets with apple cider, cloves, oranges, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and send them to people you care about.
Adorn your home with fall decor
A home that smells like fall must look the same. As the hot cider brews in your kitchen, replace the summer curtains with autumn fabric and swap fresh flowers for fall scented candles.
Donate food and medicines to a nearby shelter
A shift in season can be challenging for our immune system. As we cozy up to the weather with a hot beverage in our hands, let’s not forget the underprivileged. Donate medicines and hot food to those in need so they can brave the drop in temperature too.
5 Facts To Know About The Perfect Mulled Cider Recipe
Cider follows juice, ferment follows fruits
Boil untouched cider before you add any juice or fresh fruits to develop the most grounded taste.
Toast ’em before you toss ’em
Dry roasting your spices in a pan before adding them into the liquid brings out their true essence.
The slower the flame, the better the game
Mull your cider in a slow cooker throughout the course of the day for the best results.
Lemon or lime keeps the sweetness at bay
A squeeze of lemon can reduce the sweetness accumulated from the concentration of cider and fruits.
Snooze a batch, then add some booze
Set aside a batch of cider for the kids and add alcohol only after the mulling is done to keep its potency intact.
Why We Love National Hot Mulled Cider Day
It’s a great day to experiment
Oranges or apples? Cloves or star anise? The choices are plenty and September 30 is a great day to bring out the chef in you and dabble with some classic flavors.
Apple ciders are worth the celebration
Ciders are healthy, they have antioxidants that fight cell damage, lower your risk of developing cancer, and ease inflammation in the body. Wow! National Hot Mulled Cider Day gives you a chance to honor this incredible drink.
A shortcut to a good habit
In case your family is not a fan of ciders, September 30 is a great day to correct the course. Consuming apple cider regularly has great health benefits, and coaxing your family with this warm and spicy delight might do the trick.
National Hot Mulled Cider Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
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