national-hot-mulled-cider-day-september-30

National Hot Mulled Cider Day September 30

Who doesn't love a steaming mug of hot mulled cider on a crisp autumn day? National Hot Mulled Cider Day, celebrated on September 30, is a nod to a beverage that's as rich in history as it is in flavor. Imagine the warmth of spices mingling with the sweetness of apple cider, a concoction that dates back to ancient Rome and found its popularity soar in medieval Europe. Why did this drink become a staple? Well, for starters, apple trees were everywhere, making cider accessible to both the aristocrats and common folk. The magic of mulled cider isn't just in its taste but in its ability to bring people together, offering warmth and comfort during the cooler months. From its humble beginnings in Rome to becoming a fall favorite in modern-day celebrations, hot mulled cider symbolizes the changing seasons and the simple pleasures of life. So, why do we dedicate a day to celebrating this delightful drink?

Key Takeaway

Hot mulled cider is a traditional autumn beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries in Europe and North America.
The history of mulled cider can be traced back to ancient Rome, but it specifically became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and continued into the colonial period in America.

Timeline

1623
First Recipe
The first known recipe for mulled cider appeared in a cookbook called ‘The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchen’.
1767
Colonial America
Mulled cider was a popular drink in Colonial America, often served at social gatherings and celebrations.
1842
Washington Irving’s Story
American author Washington Irving mentioned mulled cider in his story ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’.
1900
Prohibition Era
During the Prohibition era, hard cider was banned, but many people still made mulled cider at home with unfermented apple cider.
1987
National Beverage
American author William Grimes declared mulled cider as one of America’s national beverages.
2016
National Day Declaration
September 30 was declared as National Hot Mulled Cider Day in the United States.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Hot Mulled Cider Day with a bang by gathering friends and family for a cozy cider-making party. Picture everyone taking turns stirring a giant pot of cider, the air filled with laughter and the comforting scents of cinnamon and cloves. It's not just about sipping on that warm, spiced goodness; it's about creating memories that'll warm your heart faster than the cider warms your hands.

  2. For those who love a bit of adventure, why not turn National Hot Mulled Cider Day into an apple-picking escapade? Head out to a local orchard where you can pick the freshest apples right off the tree. Later, these apples can be transformed into the star ingredient of your homemade mulled cider. It's a perfect way to connect with nature and the origins of this delightful drink.

  3. Finally, consider winding down your National Hot Mulled Cider Day celebrations with a movie night under the stars. Set up a projector in your backyard, bundle up with blankets, and serve steaming mugs of hot mulled cider. As you sip, let the enchanting flavors transport you to the ancient Roman times or the medieval European countryside, reminding you of the rich history behind every sip.

Interesting Facts

1. Origins in Ancient Rome

Hot mulled cider's roots trace back to Rome, where spiced wine warmed the ancients.

2. Medieval European Popularity

In the Middle Ages, Europe embraced mulled cider, thanks to abundant apple orchards.

3. A Recipe of Tradition

Apples and spices like cinnamon create the timeless mulled cider we cherish.

4. Colonial America's Staple

In colonial America, mulled cider was essential, celebrated in daily life and festivities.

5. Celebrating Every September 30

National Hot Mulled Cider Day honors this historic, beloved autumn drink annually.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating centuries-old tradition: National Hot Mulled Cider Day taps into a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome, evolving through the Middle Ages in Europe, and becoming a staple in colonial America. This day isn't just about sipping on a warm drink; it's a nod to a centuries-old tradition that has warmed countless generations through chilly autumns and biting winters. Every sip is like a time machine, transporting us back to when spices were as valuable as gold and apple orchards were the heart of communities.

  • Embracing the autumn vibes: As leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot mulled cider to get into the autumn spirit. National Hot Mulled Cider Day falls at a time when summer's warmth fades and the cozy sweaters come out. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, enjoy the changing seasons, and indulge in the simple pleasures that make life sweet. Plus, who can resist the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg wafting through the air?

  • A toast to communal gatherings: Beyond the delicious taste and the warm fuzzies it gives, hot mulled cider has always been about bringing people together. From medieval European gatherings to colonial American celebrations, this beverage symbolizes community and togetherness. Celebrating National Hot Mulled Cider Day encourages us to continue this tradition of sharing stories and making memories over mugs of this spiced, sweet concoction. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in life are shared around a table, with hands warmed by the mugs they hold.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
SEPTEMBER 30 2022
SEPTEMBER 30 2023
SEPTEMBER 30 2024
SEPTEMBER 30 2025
SEPTEMBER 30 2026
SEPTEMBER 30 2027
SEPTEMBER 30 2028

FAQ

What is mulled cider Day?

On September 30th, National Hot Mulled Cider Day warms our homes with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple.

Why is it called mulled cider?

Mulled cider originated in southwest England and is a descendant of a much older drink known as wassail. Wassail dates back to the 1700s, or earlier, and is a drink made from roasted crab apples and warmed mead. That drink evolved into something that resembles what we think of today as hot apple or mulled cider.

What is a beverage of hot mulled cider called?

Wassail is a hot, mulled punch often associated with Yuletide, often drunk from a 'wassail bowl'. The earliest versions were warmed mead into which roasted crab apples were dropped and burst to create a drink called 'lambswool' drunk on Lammas day, still known in Shakespeare's time.

How much alcohol is in mulled cider?

The content of alcohol in mulled cider varies based on how it's made. If starting with non-alcoholic apple cider, the drink remains alcohol-free. However, when made with hard cider or if brandy is added as it sometimes is for an extra kick, the alcoholic content can range from 3-7% for hard ciders to higher percentages for brandy-enhanced versions. So, always check your recipe or bottle to know for sure.