Spiced Mulled Pear Cider with Vanilla Bean and Toasted Cardamom

November 2, 2025

Cozy up with a warm mug of magic! This Spiced Mulled Pear Cider is a celebration of fall flavors—sweet pears, fragrant vanilla, and toasty cardamom all simmered to perfection. It’s like a hug in liquid form, and trust me, you’ll want to sip on this all season long!

4.0 out of 5 (3 ratings)

There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of something comforting when the air turns crisp. Let me introduce you to your new fall obsession: Spiced Mulled Pear Cider with Vanilla Bean and Toasted Cardamom! This is not your average apple cider – oh no, we’re swapping in sweet, juicy pears and elevating it to a whole new level with a dash of unexpected warmth and aromatics. Imagine sitting by a crackling fire, sipping on this fragrant elixir, while that cozy smell of spices fills your kitchen—it’s pure autumn magic, my friend.

Spiced Mulled Pear Cider With Vanilla Bean And Toasted Cardamom Recipe

What makes this recipe so special? Two words: vanilla bean. Okay fine, also cardamom. The vanilla brings this soft, creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the natural sugars in the pears, while toasted cardamom adds a nutty, floral spice that takes it over the top. I like to add a few cloves, star anise, and just a pinch of cinnamon to layer in even more depth, while fresh orange slices brighten everything up. The pears are gently simmered to release all their juicy goodness, and you’ll be left with a cider that’s delicately sweet but marvelously complex. It’s like an orchestra of fall flavors performing just for you.

Now, here’s the trick to making this cider absolutely perfect: low and slow is the way to go. Don’t rush it! Let the pears infuse the liquid for at least 30-40 minutes—your patience will pay off. Toast your cardamom pods in a dry pan before adding them; trust me, this wakes up their flavor in the most delicious way. And don’t skip on using whole spices like cloves and star anise; the depth you get from real, whole spices beats the pre-ground stuff any day. Oh, one more thing—if you want to make it a little extra, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum right before serving for an adults-only twist!

I wish I could hand you a mug through the screen because I know you’re going to love this cozy concoction as much as I do. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, solo Netflix marathons, or even poured into a travel mug for a chilly outdoor walk. Variations? Oh, I’ve got you covered! Swap the pears for apples if that’s what you have, or experiment with adding a bit of fresh ginger for a zippy kick. Serve it with a plate of ginger snaps or lightly salted nuts to round out the experience. However you enjoy it, this Spiced Mulled Pear Cider is the kind of recipe that wraps you up like your favorite sweater. Cheers to fall in a mug!

Keywords: spiced pear cider recipe, mulled cider with vanilla, easy fall drink recipes, homemade pear cider ideas, cozy autumn drink recipes, best mulled cider variations, spiced holiday drink recipes

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

•8 cups pear cider (or pear juice)
•1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
•6 cardamom pods, lightly toasted and crushed
•1 cinnamon stick
•4 whole cloves
•1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
•1 orange, sliced into rounds
•Pear slices or cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1
In a large saucepan, pour the pear cider and add the split vanilla bean (including the seeds), toasted cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, and orange slices.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3
Reduce the heat to low and let the cider steep for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
4
Taste the cider and, if desired, add the brown sugar to sweeten. Stir until dissolved.
5
Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices.
6
Serve warm in heatproof mugs and garnish with pear slices or cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

120 calories (per 1 cup serving)

Protein

Carbs

30g

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use apple cider instead of pear cider in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute apple cider for pear cider if you prefer or cannot find pear cider. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and aromatic.

Q: What can I use if I don't have a vanilla bean?

A: If you don't have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Add the extract after the cider has simmered and been removed from the heat to preserve the delicate vanilla flavor.

Q: How do I toast and crush the cardamom pods?

A: To toast cardamom pods, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until you smell their aroma. Crush them gently with a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife before adding to the cider. This enhances their flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

A: Yes, you can prepare the mulled pear cider ahead of time. Let it cool, strain the spices and orange slices, and store the cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Q: What should I do if my cider tastes too sweet or not sweet enough?

A: If your cider is too sweet, dilute it with a little water or unsweetened pear juice. If it’s not sweet enough, stir in a bit more brown sugar or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe alcohol-free or include alcohol?

A: This recipe is naturally alcohol-free, but you can add alcohol if you'd like. A splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy pairs well with the flavors. Add the alcohol after removing the cider from heat to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

Q: What are some other garnishing or serving suggestions for this cider?

A: For additional garnish, you can use star anise for a decorative touch or add a fresh rosemary sprig for a festive look. Serve the cider alongside spiced cookies or a slice of pound cake for a warm and cozy treat.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Spiced Mulled Pear Cider with Vanilla Bean and Toasted Cardamom" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema and Crunchy Pepita Slaw

Get ready to taco ’bout flavor! These Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Tacos are sweet, smoky, zesty, and topped with a crunch...

AutumnSpicedAcornSquashCrostiniwithRicottaandCranberryChutney

Ready to wow your taste buds with fall flavors? This Autumn Spiced Acorn Squash Crostini is the perfect balance of cozy ...

Spiced Roasted Carrot Hummus with Pomegranate Salsa and Zahtar Chips

Ready to spice up your snack game? This Spiced Roasted Carrot Hummus is creamy, smoky, and bursting with bold flavors. T...

Spiced Pumpkin Persimmon Curry with Coconut Ginger Sauce and Toasted Pepitas

Ready to spice up your dinner game? This Spiced Pumpkin Persimmon Curry is a cozy, flavor-packed dish with creamy coconu...

Caramelized Shallot and Pear Flatbread with Walnut Sage Pesto

Ready to elevate your flatbread game? This recipe combines sweet caramelized shallots, juicy pears, and a nutty walnut s...