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Mandarin cider served in a glass
Fruity cider with fresh mandarin segments and spices

Holiday Mandarin Mulled Cider

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Quick Meals Drinks
Mandarins are less acidic than oranges or lemons, possessing a distinct floral scent that pairs fantastically with cinnamon. This drink is the essence of the holiday season: the smell of mandarin evokes childhood Christmases for many. The goal here is to preserve that delicate aroma and not cook it away.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
⌛ Total Time 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 225 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Potato masher or fork (for gentle crushing)

Instructions

1 ✓

Wash and peel the mandarins, then separate them into segments. Pick off as much of the white pith as possible.

Tip: The white pith can be bitter and make the drink cloudy.
2 ✓

Pour the cider, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and salt into the saucepan. Heat until the honey dissolves.

Tip: Honey becomes less viscous when heated, blending in easily.
3 ✓

Toss in the mandarin segments. Using a fork or masher, gently press them into the juice—just enough to release some juice but keep the segments mostly intact.

Tip: This flavors the cider with mandarin juice while keeping the segments nice for decoration.
4 ✓

Simmer gently, then add the lemon juice.

Tip: Mandarin is very sweet; the acid from the lemon is essential for balance.
5 ✓

Remove from heat and let stand for 5-10 minutes.

Tip: During this time, osmosis allows the spiced cider flavor to penetrate the mandarin segments.
6 ✓

Strain into glasses, adding a few segments to each, and garnish with mint.

Tip: If you caramelize the segments (sear in a pan with a little sugar) first, you get an even deeper flavor (Maillard reaction).

Recipe FAQ

Can I use canned mandarins?
Yes, but they are usually in syrup. In that case, skip the honey in the recipe, or it will be too sweet.
What should I do with the leftover spiced fruit?
Don't throw it away! Mixed into yogurt or oatmeal, it makes a divine breakfast.

Ingredients

  • 3 whole fresh mandarins
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 sprig fresh mint
  • 1 pinch salt