Sweater Weather: Simple Alcohol Free Mulled Cider
Sep 15, 2025
A mulled cider with a grown-up attitude, our Sweater Weather Cocktail is the ideal drink for chilly evenings. This unique and delicious recipe is a great alcohol free mulled cider that uses just a few simple ingredients to create a rich, complex flavor.
Created by Shelley at For Bitter For Worse in Portland, this drink is a welcome hand warmer on cold, dreary nights and a fantastic option for parties. This alcohol free mulled cider proves you can enjoy a complex, celebratory drink that everyone can enjoy.
Sweater Weather Mulled Cider Recipe
This recipe from our friend Shelley at For Bitter For Worse in Portland is a truly special drink. It combines the warm, nostalgic flavor of freshly pressed apple cider with the unique notes of Smoky No. 56 and our Holiday Pie Bitters, creating a rich and spicy drink that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 3 oz For Bitter For Worse Smoky No. 56
- 3 oz freshly pressed apple cider
- 6 dashes El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters
- Cinnamon stick & thinly sliced fresh apple wheels, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix all liquid ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir to combine until the mixture is piping hot.
- Serve in a mug immediately.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thinly sliced fresh apple wheels.
The Aromatic Lift for an Alcohol Free Mulled Cider
This sophisticated alcohol free mulled cider recipe achieves its "grown-up" complexity through the strategic use of specialty flavors. The El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters are crucial, injecting concentrated notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice directly into the warm apple base. This pairing, alongside the savory, smoky non-alcoholic spirit, ensures the mulled cider recipe possesses the rich, layered aromatics expected of a traditional, spirit-based holiday drink.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alcohol free mulled cider?
An alcohol free mulled cider is a warm, spiced beverage made from apple cider that has a similar flavor profile to traditional mulled wine but contains no alcohol. It is a popular, festive drink during the fall and winter seasons, especially for gatherings with all ages.
What does the Sweater Weather Cocktail taste like?
The Sweater Weather Cocktail has a warm, spicy flavor with a hint of smokiness. The freshly pressed apple cider provides a natural sweetness, while the El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters adds a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The Smoky No. 56 brings a complex, bitter, and savory element to the drink.
Can I make this drink with alcohol?
Yes, you can easily turn this into a traditional cocktail. Simply add 1 to 1.5 ounces of bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy to the mug after heating the other ingredients. The brown spirit will add a comforting warmth that pairs perfectly with the spiced cider.
How is this different from a classic mulled cider?
This recipe is different from a classic mulled cider because it uses El Guapo™ Holiday Pie Bitters and Smoky No. 56. These ingredients add a complex blend of spices and a subtle smokiness that you wouldn't find in a classic recipe, giving the drink a more grown-up and sophisticated taste.
