National Hot Mulled Cider Day – Sep. 30, 2026

National Hot Mulled Cider Day
Categories:
Tags:
BeverageDrinking
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every September 30
Holiday emoji:
🍎

National Hot Mulled Cider Day warms up September 30, inviting everyone to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. This delicious day celebrates apple cider infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Gather your ingredients, brew a batch, and share the comforting warmth with friends and family.

Want to sponsor National Hot Mulled Cider Day? Learn how

Expected National Hot Mulled Cider Day Deals

As National Hot Mulled Cider Day approaches, expect retailers and cafes to embrace the autumn spirit with promotions. Last year, local coffee shops and bakeries offered special mulled cider blends. Look for deals from brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ on seasonal beverages. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s often feature discounts on apple cider, mulling spices, and fall-themed treats. Specialty food stores like Williams-Sonoma may highlight mulling spice kits and festive mugs. Keep an eye out for local apple orchards and cider mills, like Angry Orchard or Woodchuck Hard Cider (for non-alcoholic options too), to offer fresh-pressed cider and mulling spice bundles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HotMulledCiderDay. Share your favorite mulled cider recipes, cozy fall setups, or photos of your steaming mug.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HotMulledCiderDay. Film a quick ‘how-to’ video for making mulled cider at home or showcase a taste test of different cider brands.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HotMulledCiderDay. Ask your community to share their go-to mulling spice combinations or favorite fall traditions.

Social Media Tips for National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Individuals

Host a cozy fall gathering with friends and family, serving homemade hot mulled cider alongside apple pie or donuts. Share your favorite seasonal pairings.

Creators

Develop a unique mulled cider recipe, perhaps with a twist like adding ginger or a splash of bourbon. Create visually appealing content showcasing the preparation and enjoyment.

Brands

Launch a limited-time mulled cider flavor or a special mulling spice blend. Partner with local orchards or cafes for cross-promotional events and giveaways.

Top Brands for National Hot Mulled Cider Day

  1. Martinelli's

    Founded in 1868 in Watsonville, California, S. Martinelli & Company is renowned for its premium apple juice and sparkling cider. Their 100% pure apple juice is a perfect base for mulled cider.

  2. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is a popular grocery chain known for its unique and affordable products. They often offer seasonal apple ciders and mulling spices, making them a go-to for holiday ingredients.

  3. McCormick

    Established in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, McCormick & Company is a global leader in spices, herbs, and flavorings. Their wide range of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are essential for creating authentic mulled cider.

  4. Williams-Sonoma

    Founded in 1956 in Sonoma, California, Williams-Sonoma is a high-end retailer of kitchenware and home furnishings. They offer gourmet mulling spice blends, cider presses, and festive mugs perfect for enjoying hot mulled cider.

  5. Angry Orchard

    Launched in 2012 by the Boston Beer Company, Angry Orchard is a leading hard cider brand based in Walden, New York. While known for alcoholic cider, they also highlight the apple-growing tradition that makes this day possible.

  6. Stash Tea

    Founded in 1972 in Portland, Oregon, Stash Tea Company offers a wide variety of teas and herbal infusions. Their seasonal spice blends, like 'Autumn Harvest' or 'Cinnamon Apple,' can be used to infuse cider with rich flavors.

  7. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a prominent natural and organic grocery store chain. They are a reliable source for organic apple ciders, fresh mulling spices, and unique seasonal ingredients.

National Hot Mulled Cider Day Hero

Johnny Appleseed

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Born in 1774, his legendary travels and dedication to planting apple orchards across the Midwest helped establish the fruit as a staple, making cider possible for generations. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of apples in America.

History of National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Before the pumpkin spiced latte took over, the American fall was marked by hot ciders and other spicy beverages. All it took was a single crimson leaf to drop for us to immerse ourselves in these hot wintery delights.

The end of September is a sign to get our affairs in order before the holiday season is upon us. Enjoy the solemn end of Spring with a hot mulled cider. Humans have been mulling their ciders and wines since the Ancient Greek period. A process of heating up alcoholic beverages to utilize leftover or substandard wine soon made a name of its own.

Americans have never tiptoed around their love for apples, and apple cider was embraced just as graciously after it was introduced to the continent by the Europeans. The first cider distillery in the U.S., called the Laird’s, was established in 1780 and is functioning to this day.

But the modern-day love for mulled ciders comes from its commercialization in the Victorian era. Lest we forget, it was Charles Dickens who immortalized mulled alcohol with the mention of ‘Smoking Bishop’ in his 1943 novel “A Christmas Carol.”

Although the origins of this specific holiday are unclear, isn’t National Hot Mulled Cider Day the perfect time to heat up our ciders, fill our homes with the sweetest aromas, and brace ourselves for the imminent chilly winds of October?

National Hot Mulled Cider Day timeline

1600s
The European Colonization

Europeans spread through the continent and propagate apple farming and cider, which is the most common beverage of the period.

1800s
The Industrial Revolution

As people flock to cities and abandon farming, the production of apples and their cultivation dramatically decreases.

1900s
The Temperance Movement

Pressured by the social movement against alcohol consumption, a prohibition against cider manufacturing is instituted by the government.

2000s
The Resurgence

The interest in apple cider spikes again, it becomes the fastest-growing division of the liquor industry.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants can celebrate National Hot Mulled Cider Day by offering special mulled cider beverages, perhaps with unique twists like a bourbon-spiked version or a kid-friendly non-alcoholic option. Retail stores can create festive displays featuring mulling spices, apple cider, and cozy mugs, encouraging customers to create their own at home. Apple orchards and cider mills can host tasting events or workshops on making the perfect mulled cider, engaging the community with seasonal flavors and traditions.

National Hot Mulled Cider Day FAQs

When is National Hot Mulled Cider Day?

National Hot Mulled Cider Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. It’s the perfect mid-week treat to welcome the crisp air and comforting flavors of autumn.

How many apples does it take to make cider?

It typically takes about 36 apples to make one gallon of apple cider. This varies based on the size and juiciness of the apples, but highlights the abundance needed for a good brew.

What are the most common mulling spices?

The most common mulling spices include cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and dried orange peel. These aromatic ingredients infuse cider with its signature warm and inviting flavor profile.

What's the difference between apple juice, apple cider, and hard cider?

Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized, removing pulp and extending shelf life. Apple cider is raw, unfiltered apple juice, often unpasteurized, giving it a cloudier appearance and richer flavor. Hard cider is fermented apple cider containing alcohol.

How To Celebrate National Hot Mulled Cider Day

  1. Send mulled cider gift baskets to your acquaintances

    The cold winds are here, and so is the time to warm up to your peers. Fill gift baskets with apple cider, cloves, oranges, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and send them to people you care about.

  2. Adorn your home with fall decor

    A home that smells like fall must look the same. As the hot cider brews in your kitchen, replace the summer curtains with autumn fabric and swap fresh flowers for fall scented candles.

  3. Donate food and medicines to a nearby shelter

    A shift in season can be challenging for our immune system. As we cozy up to the weather with a hot beverage in our hands, let’s not forget the underprivileged. Donate medicines and hot food to those in need so they can brave the drop in temperature too.

5 Facts To Know About The Perfect Mulled Cider Recipe

  1. Cider follows juice, ferment follows fruits

    Boil untouched cider before you add any juice or fresh fruits to develop the most grounded taste.

  2. Toast ’em before you toss ’em

    Dry roasting your spices in a pan before adding them into the liquid brings out their true essence.

  3. The slower the flame, the better the game

    Mull your cider in a slow cooker throughout the course of the day for the best results.

  4. Lemon or lime keeps the sweetness at bay

    A squeeze of lemon can reduce the sweetness accumulated from the concentration of cider and fruits.

  5. Snooze a batch, then add some booze

    Set aside a batch of cider for the kids and add alcohol only after the mulling is done to keep its potency intact.

Why We Love National Hot Mulled Cider Day

  1. It’s a great day to experiment

    Oranges or apples? Cloves or star anise? The choices are plenty and September 30 is a great day to bring out the chef in you and dabble with some classic flavors.

  2. Apple ciders are worth the celebration

    Ciders are healthy, they have antioxidants that fight cell damage, lower your risk of developing cancer, and ease inflammation in the body. Wow! National Hot Mulled Cider Day gives you a chance to honor this incredible drink.

  3. A shortcut to a good habit

    In case your family is not a fan of ciders, September 30 is a great day to correct the course. Consuming apple cider regularly has great health benefits, and coaxing your family with this warm and spicy delight might do the trick.

National Hot Mulled Cider Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 30 Wednesday
2027 September 30 Thursday
2028 September 30 Saturday
2029 September 30 Sunday
2030 September 30 Monday