Spider Cider Festive Autumn (Print Version)

Spiced apple cider with citrus, warming spices, and candy spider garnish—ideal for autumn celebrations and parties.

# Components:

→ Mulled Cider

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

→ 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 - Combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, ginger, brown sugar, and peppercorns in a large saucepan.
02 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to extract flavors.
03 - Strain the infused cider to discard solids. Maintain the strained liquid over low heat until ready to serve.
04 - Cut each licorice wheel or rope into eight equal legs, about 3 inches each. Skewer a grape or olive with a cocktail pick, insert four licorice legs on each side. Dab with honey or melted chocolate, secure two candy eyes or chocolate chips onto each body.
05 - Pour hot cider into mugs. Place a spider garnish on the rim of each mug, resting the pick across the top.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably already keep in your pantry
  • Ready in just over half an hour so great for busy nights
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free for easy serving at events
  • Fun edible spider garnish steals the show for guests and kids alike
02 -
  • High in antioxidants from spices and fresh fruit
  • Can be made ahead and reheated with no loss in flavor
03 -
  • Toast the spices in the saucepan for a minute before adding liquids for an even more intense aroma
  • Go slow with straining to avoid cloudiness and keep your cider bright
  • Use cocktail picks with wide handles for easier spider perching

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