Bill Michaels of Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard recently appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" to demonstrate autumn apple cider recipes, per Fox News. The centerpiece was a hot mulled cider in a caramel-rimmed glass, topped with whipped cream and mulling spices, served alongside extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Here's how to turn that idea into something you can make on a regular weeknight or for guests, and why the cheese pairing works. Michaels's segment, as reported, covered the elements rather than exact measurements, so the quantities below are my own starting points. Adjust them to taste.
What Makes It Café-Style
Three things separate this from a mug of warmed cider:
- Mulling spices simmered into the cider
- A caramel-rimmed glass, which adds sweetness with every sip
- A whipped cream topping, which makes it feel like dessert
None of these is difficult. Together they make a plain drink feel like a seasonal treat.
Hot Mulled Cider: A Simple Method
These quantities are a beginner-friendly starting point, not Michaels's recipe. Plan on about 5 minutes of prep and 15 to 20 minutes of gentle heating. It serves about four.
You'll need:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 or 3 strips of orange peel (optional)
- Caramel sauce, for the rim
- Whipped cream, for the top
Steps:
- Pour the cider into a saucepan and add the cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel if using.
- Heat over medium-low until steaming, then keep it just below a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Boiling can make the spices taste harsh.
- While it warms, spread a thin layer of caramel sauce on a small plate. Dip the rim of each glass into it, then set the glasses upright for a few minutes so the caramel settles.
- Strain out the spices and ladle the cider into the glasses, pouring slowly so you don't wash away the caramel.
- Top with whipped cream and serve right away.
Ingredient Swaps
- No whole cloves? Use a small pinch of ground cloves, but strain through a fine sieve or the drink will turn gritty.
- No orange? Skip it. The cinnamon and cloves carry the flavor.
- Short on caramel sauce? Drizzle a little inside the glass instead, or just top the whipped cream with it.
- Canned or fresh whipped cream both work. Fresh takes about 3 minutes with a whisk and cold heavy cream.
Why Extra-Sharp Cheddar Works With Cider
Michaels paired the drink with extra-sharp cheddar, a classic fall combination. My take on why it works: the cheese is salty, tangy, and rich, while the cider is sweet and slightly tart. Each one balances the other, so neither gets tiring after a few bites.
To try it, cut the cheddar into small cubes or thin slices and serve it at room temperature. Cheese straight from the fridge tastes muted. Pulling it out about 20 to 30 minutes ahead helps the flavor come through.
Easy Add-Ons
If you want a small board, apple slices and crackers are inexpensive and go with everything. Keep the cheese the star, though. A single good block of sharp cheddar does more than a crowded plate.
Turn It Into a Fall Hosting Plan
This combination suits gatherings because most of the work happens ahead of time:
- Rim the glasses with caramel up to an hour before guests arrive.
- Keep the cider warming on the lowest heat setting, with the spices strained out if it will sit for a while.
- Slice the cheese and set it out about 30 minutes before serving.
- Add whipped cream to each glass as you hand it over.
That way you're not stuck at the stove when people show up.
Serving Tips for Beginners
- Use real cider if you can. The drink is only as good as the apples, and an orchard-style cider gives the best flavor.
- Go easy on the caramel. A thin rim is plenty. Too much makes the drink cloying.
- Taste before serving. If the cider seems flat, a squeeze of orange or a little more cinnamon can help.
- Keep it warm, not hot. Very hot cider can melt the whipped cream instantly.
The Takeaway
The next time you have a jug of cider in the fridge, warm half of it with cinnamon and cloves, rim a glass with caramel, add whipped cream, and put a plate of extra-sharp cheddar next to it. You'll have the Fly Creek-style fall treat in under half an hour.
