Campsite Spiced Apple Mulled Cider

When the temperature drops fast after sunset, the last thing you want is a fussy camp drink that needs a cutting board, extra tools, and a sink’s worth of cleanup. Campsite Spiced Apple Mulled Cider keeps things simple: pack a small pouch of whole spices, grab a jug of cider, and you’re set with one pot and minimal mess.

Set the pot on a grate over steady coals or a low camp-stove flame and warm the cider slowly while you get camp dialed in—chairs out, lantern on, boots off. Let the spices steep gently; cinnamon and cloves come through first, with star anise adding a subtle licorice edge that smells like fall in the pines. Keep it just under a boil so it doesn’t reduce too quickly or turn sharp.

It’s a handy move for fall camping, tailgates, or overlanding: no sticky syrups, no gadgets, no extra dishes. Pour into enamel mugs, keep the pot near the edge of the heat to hold temp, and top off as the evening stretches on.

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Campsite Spiced Apple Mulled Cider

A classic fall camp beverage: apple cider simmered with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, creating a warming, spiced drink best enjoyed by the crackling campfire.

Servings 4 mugs

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Equipment

• Medium pot
• Campfire grate
• Ladle

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider fresh or bottled
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 2 star anise
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/2 orange sliced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar

Instructions

• Pour apple cider into your pot and place over campfire heat.
• Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, orange slices, and maple syrup.
• Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Ladle into mugs and serve hot, garnished with cinnamon or orange.

Notes

Stir occasionally to prevent scorching over the fire. This is a go-to for crisp evenings—use insulated mugs to keep cider warm longer.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider, campfire, drinks, easy cleanup, fall camping, one-pot, spiced