Spider Cider Spiced Mulled (Printable Version)

Simmer apple cider with oranges and spices, and top with whimsical spider-themed licorice garnishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Mulled Cider

01 - 8 cups unfiltered apple cider
02 - 1 orange, sliced into rounds
03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 6 whole cloves
05 - 3 whole allspice berries
06 - 1 whole star anise
07 - 1 inch fresh ginger root, sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional, adjust to taste
09 - 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, optional, for additional spice

→ Spider Garnish

10 - 6 black licorice wheels or ropes
11 - 6 large black grapes or black olives
12 - 12 candy eyes or small white chocolate chips
13 - Honey or melted chocolate, for attaching eyes

# Directions:

01 - Place apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, ginger, brown sugar, and peppercorns in a large saucepan.
02 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
03 - Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer to remove all solids. Return to saucepan and keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
04 - While cider simmers, cut each licorice wheel or rope into eight equal pieces, about 3 inches each, to form legs. Skewer a grape or olive onto a cocktail pick, then insert four licorice legs into each side to resemble a spider.
05 - Use a dab of honey or melted chocolate on each 'spider body' and attach two candy eyes or white chocolate chips for eyes.
06 - Pour hot cider into mugs. Garnish each mug with a finished spider pick, resting the pick across the rim for display.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients found in most grocery stores
  • Ready to serve in just over half an hour
  • Perfect for kids or adults with optional boozy twist
  • Playful spider garnish transforms drinks into a centerpiece
02 -
  • A cozy drink that is naturally gluten free if you choose safe candy and licorice
  • Great source of antioxidants from spices and whole fruit
  • Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor depth
  • Spiders bring a hands on activity for kids
03 -
  • Pick fresh unfiltered cider wherever possible
  • Toasting the spices in the pan for one minute before adding the liquid builds more flavor
  • If your party includes little ones skip black pepper and opt for extra orange for sweetness
  • It is all about making memories so let your guests get creative with their spiders

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