These mulled apple cider popsicles capture the cozy flavors of fall in a cool, refreshing frozen treat. Made with nonalcoholic apple cider or cloudy apple juice, fresh fruit, and warming mulling spices, they are a fun dessert or snack the whole family can enjoy.
Mulled apple cider popsicles are a lovely way to enjoy the taste of spiced apple cider when you want something lighter than a warm drink. The cider is gently simmered with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, orange, and apple, then chilled and frozen into popsicle molds. The result is sweet, fruity, fragrant, and refreshing, with just enough spice to make each bite taste like autumn.
This recipe is made with nonalcoholic cider, also known in some places as cloudy apple juice. That makes these apple cider popsicles kid-friendly and suitable for family gatherings, fall parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, or anytime you want an easy make-ahead frozen dessert. They are also naturally dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free, which makes them a helpful option when you need a simple allergy-friendly treat.
What is the difference between cider and hard cider?
The meaning of the word cider depends on where you live. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, cider usually refers to an alcoholic drink made from fermented, unfiltered apple juice. In the United States, that alcoholic version is commonly called hard cider.
In many places, including the U.S., nonalcoholic cider usually means cloudy apple juice or apple juice that has not been fully filtered. It keeps its natural cloudy appearance and has a fresh apple flavor that works beautifully in this recipe.
For these mulled apple cider popsicles, use nonalcoholic cider or cloudy apple juice. It gives the popsicles a bright apple flavor while keeping the recipe suitable for both adults and children. The fruit and spices are strained out before freezing, so the finished popsicles are smooth, easy to eat, and full of gently infused flavor.
Ingredients
Apple cider: Use nonalcoholic apple cider or cloudy apple juice. Cloudy apple juice is often found in the chilled section of the grocery store. If the juice has settled, shake the bottle gently before using it so the natural sediment is mixed back in.
Cinnamon sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks add a warm, sweet spice flavor without making the mixture gritty. If you cannot find cinnamon sticks, you can use one teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead.
Whole cloves: Cloves add deep warmth and a classic mulled spice flavor. They can be strong, so avoid adding too many. Always strain the mixture well before pouring it into the popsicle molds.
Star anise: Star anise has a gentle licorice-like flavor that pairs nicely with apple and citrus. If you do not enjoy the flavor, you can leave it out.
Ginger root: Fresh ginger root gives the cider a bright, warming finish. You can use one teaspoon of ground ginger instead, depending on how strong you like the ginger flavor.
Oranges: Orange slices add fresh citrus notes and balance the sweetness of the apple cider. You can also use mandarins or tangelos if you prefer.
Apples: Use any apples you enjoy eating. They add extra apple flavor while the cider simmers, and you can cut a few slices into small stars for a pretty decorative touch in the popsicles.
How to make mulled apple cider popsicles
Slice the apples and oranges thinly, then add them to a large pot. If you want the popsicles to look extra pretty, use a small cutter to make star shapes from some of the apple slices. This step is optional, but it makes the finished popsicles look lovely.
Pour the apple cider into the pot with the sliced fruit. Add the ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Stir everything together so the spices and fruit are evenly distributed through the cider.
Cover the pot and bring the cider to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about thirty minutes. If you prefer a stronger mulled spice flavor, you can simmer it a little longer. Keep the heat low so the cider gently infuses rather than boiling rapidly.
Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the cider through a sieve to remove the spices, orange slices, and apple slices. Pour the strained mulled cider into a heatproof jug, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until completely cold.
Hot tip: Before filling your popsicle molds, check that there is enough space in your freezer for them to sit level. It is much easier to make room before the molds are full.
Pour the chilled mulled apple cider into popsicle molds. Add the apple stars if using, insert the sticks, and freeze for at least four hours. For the best texture and easiest unmolding, freeze them overnight.
How to serve
To serve, gently remove the popsicles from the molds and enjoy them straight away. If they are difficult to release, hold the outside of the mold briefly under warm water, taking care not to melt the popsicles too much.
How to store
Store these mulled apple cider popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer. Place parchment paper between each popsicle to help prevent them from sticking together. They will keep well for up to one month. After that, the spice flavor may become a little less vibrant, but the popsicles will still taste delicious.
Looking for more yummy dessert recipes? Why not try making:
- Apple curd
- Apple, cinnamon and oat ice cream (dairy free)
- Pumpkin spice ice cream
📋 Recipe
Mulled apple cider popsicles
Equipment
-
Popsicle molds and sticks
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) nonalcoholic apple cider or cloudy apple juice
- 1 medium orange
- 2 medium apples
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- ¼ inch fresh ginger root
Instructions
-
Slice the orange and apples. If desired, cut small star shapes from some of the apple slices using a small cutter.
-
Add the apple and orange slices to a medium pot.
-
Gently shake the apple cider or juice to mix in any settled sediment, then pour it into the pot.
-
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and ginger. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
-
Remove the pot from the heat and let the cider cool slightly.
-
Strain the mixture through a sieve and chill it in the refrigerator until cold.
-
Pour the chilled mulled cider into popsicle molds. Add apple star shapes if using.
-
Insert the sticks and freeze for at least four hours, or until frozen solid.
-
Gently remove the popsicles from the molds and enjoy.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 0.4g
Fat: 0.2g
Saturated Fat: 0.04g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 14g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate based on an online database. The nutritional content of ingredients may vary by brand. If you require accurate nutritional information, calculate it using the specific brands and products you use.
Pin it for later!
