Bill Michaels of Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard recently joined "Fox & Friends Weekend" to demonstrate autumn apple cider recipes, per Fox News. The centerpiece was hot mulled cider served in a caramel-rimmed glass, topped with whipped cream and mulling spices, plus a pairing of the drink with extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
It's a lovely fall setup, but two of its parts, the caramel and the whipped cream, usually involve refined sugar and dairy. Here's how to keep the spirit of the idea and adjust it to a Paleo-inspired kitchen. You'll leave with a method for mulled cider, three swaps, and a hosting plan.
A note on sourcing: the segment, as reported, described the components (mulling spices, caramel rim, whipped cream, sharp cheddar) but I don't have Michaels' exact measurements. The quantities below are my own starting points, not his recipe.
Start With Real Cider
The base matters more than anything you add. Look for plain apple cider with a short ingredient list, ideally just apples. Check the label for added sugar. Good cider is sweet enough that you won't need to sweeten it at all, which keeps the whole drink simple.
A Simple Mulled Cider Method
Mulling spices are what turn a mug of cider into something that smells like fall. Here's a basic approach you can scale up.
- Pour 8 cups of cider into a large pot.
- Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, and a few strips of orange peel. Whole spices keep the cider clear; ground spices turn it cloudy.
- Warm over medium-low heat until steaming, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don't boil it hard, which dulls the flavor.
- Strain or ladle carefully, leaving the spices behind.
For a party, move it to a slow cooker on the warm setting so guests can serve themselves.
Smart Swap: The Whipped Topping
Traditional whipped cream is dairy. The easy Paleo-friendly alternative is coconut cream.
- Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, without shaking it.
- Scoop out only the thick cream on top and leave the watery part for smoothies.
- Whip it with a mixer for a couple of minutes until fluffy.
- If you like, add a little vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon.
Spoon it on just before serving, since it softens quickly on hot cider.
Smart Swap: The Caramel Rim
The caramel-rimmed glass is the showpiece, and it's the part that most needs rethinking. Standard caramel is made from refined sugar and cream. A few workable stand-ins:
- Date caramel: Blend soaked, pitted dates with a splash of warm water and a pinch of salt until smooth and sticky.
- Nut butter drizzle: Thin almond or cashew butter slightly and use it as the rim, then dip in cinnamon.
- Maple glaze: Pure maple syrup is a common Paleo-friendly sweetener, though thinner. Dip the rim, then press it into cinnamon or finely chopped nuts so it holds.
Spread your chosen rim on a small plate, turn the glass upside down in it, and let it set for a few minutes before pouring.
The Cheddar Question
The segment paired the cider with extra-sharp cheddar, a classic fall flavor combination. The logic is easy to taste: the cheese is salty and tangy, the cider is sweet and a little tart, and each makes the other better.
Cheese is dairy, so strict Paleo followers skip it. Others who follow a more flexible, Paleo-inspired approach include aged cheeses, so decide based on your own rules. If you leave it out, you can keep the same contrast with:
- Salted roasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts
- Crisp apple slices with a sprinkle of flaky salt
- Thin slices of prosciutto or other cured meat without added sugar (check the label)
The point is salt and richness against sweet and spice, and plenty of foods deliver it.
Build a Fall Drink Board
You can turn this into a low-effort hosting plan:
- Keep the mulled cider warm in a slow cooker.
- Set out rimmed glasses or mugs, already prepared.
- Put the coconut whipped topping in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Add a plate of apple slices, nuts, and, if your table includes it, sharp cheddar.
- Offer extra cinnamon sticks as stirrers.
Everything except the whipped topping can be ready an hour ahead.
The Takeaway
Before your next fall gathering, pick one swap, whether date caramel or coconut whip, and test it on a single mug. Once you like it, scale the pot and let guests build their own.
