Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Easy Autumn Drink

slow cooker spiced apple cider - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich, aromatic spiced apple cider made in a slow cooker with fresh apples, whole spices, and citrus. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe creates a comforting, depth-filled drink perfect for autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon fresh, unfiltered cloudy apple cider
  • 3–4 large apples (mix of sweet like Honeycrisp/Fuji and tart like Granny Smith), cored and chopped
  • 3–4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 star anise pod (optional)
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced or smashed
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup, optional (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash apples thoroughly. Do not peel; core and chop into rough chunks. Place apple chunks into the slow cooker insert.
  2. Pour the gallon of apple cider over the apples. Stir briefly to incorporate any sediment.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise pod to the pot.
  4. Add the sliced or smashed fresh ginger to the pot.
  5. Slice the orange into thin rounds and add them to the mixture.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW. Cook for 4 to 6 hours until apples are tender and spices have infused.
  7. Turn off the cooker. Remove large solids (apples, spices, orange) with a slotted spoon.
  8. For a smoother texture, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer.
  9. Taste the cider and stir in brown sugar or maple syrup if additional sweetness is desired.
  10. Serve warm in mugs.

Notes

Avoid cooking on HIGH to prevent bitterness. If leaving the cider on for longer than 6 hours, remove spices after 4 hours to prevent tannins from making the drink bitter. Toasting whole spices in a dry pan before adding can intensify aroma. For a non-alcoholic adult version, add a splash of bourbon or rum to each mug before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, spiced cider, autumn drink, fall recipe, cozy drinks, gluten-free beverage, vegan cider

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider-easy-autumn-drink/