Slow Cooker Apple Cider has plenty of spices and makes a perfect warm beverage for any party or large crowd.
Ditch the packets and make this homemade from scratch warm and cozy apple cider in the crockpot. We love to serve warm cider at our holiday parties, both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How to make Apple Cider in the Crockpot:
You will need these ingredients:
- 89 oz. Apple Cider (a 64 oz. container works perfectly well with this recipe too!)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cloves
- 5 star anise pods (these can taste like licorice, omit if sensitive to licorice)
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Directions:
- Add the cider to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir.
How long does it take to heat apple cider in the crockpot?
- Add the lid to the slow cooker.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours on high or until hot.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes! Apple juice is usually the cheaper option too. Follow this same recipe below if you use apple juice.
Can I use cranberry apple juice?
Yes, you can in place of cider! Here is my Cranberry Apple Version.
What should I serve with apple cider?
This recipe is great as is though if you want to add a few mix-ins and make an apple cider bar. Here are some great ideas:
- Caramel Sauce (jarred ice-cream topping)
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Red hots (also called cinnamon imperials, found near the sprinkles)
- Whipped cream
- Alcohol to spike the cider
What kind of alcohol goes good with hot apple cider?
- Caramel Vodka
- Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
- Spiced Rum (I use gingerbread flavor)
- Mezcal (this is a smoky tequila)
How long can I keep this on the warm setting?
This can stay on the warm setting for many hours (5 or more!) perfect for staff rooms or parties.
How do I store leftover cider?
- Place in a pitcher in the fridge.
- Keep for up to a week.
- You can serve cold or reheat again.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Apple cider cooked in the crock pot along with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 124kcal
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger
Ingredients:
- 89 oz. apple cider OR apple juice (a 64 oz. container works perfectly well with this recipe too!)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cloves
- 5 star anise pods (these can taste like licorice, omit if sensitive to licorice)
- 2 apples sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
Optional serving ideas if you want an apple cider bar:
- caramel sauce
- cinnamon sticks
- red hots candy
- whipped cream
- marshmallows
- alcohol to spike cider (caramel vodka, spiked rum, fireball whiskey, mezcal)
Instructions:
- Add the cider (or apple juice), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (rememeber, don't use star anise if you don't like licorice flavor), apples, oranges and cranberries to the slow cooker, stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2.5 hours or until hot.
- Serve and enjoy. Be sure to help serve little ones for this cider can get hot and burn if spilled.
- Set the slow cooker to warm for the party.
How to Video:
Recipe Notes:
Can I use cranberry apple juice instead of cider? Yes! Will work great. How long can I keep this warm? This can stay on the warm setting for many hours (5 or more!) perfect for staff rooms or parties. How to store leftover cider?
- Place in a pitcher in the fridge.
- Keep for up to a week.
- You can serve cold or reheat again.
Nutrition:
Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker
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