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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beverages » Slow Cooker Apple Cider

Slow Cooker Apple Cider

by Sarah Olson on November 19, 2019 | Updated January 4, 2023 Leave a Comment

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Images of apple cider with text overlay of what the ingredients are.
close up of apple cider

Slow Cooker Apple Cider has plenty of spices and makes a perfect warm beverage for any party or large crowd.

close up of apple cider in round slow cooker.

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.

apple cider, cranberries, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, apples, and oranges.

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.
slice apples, sliced oranges, pink bowl of cranberries. Spices in small white dishes.

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.
Finished apple cider in slow cooker with cider in mugs around the sides.

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.

plaid slow cooker with Fireball, vodka, rum, cinnamon sticks, red hots, caramel and marshmallows.

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
Vodka, whiskey, gingerbread rum and mezcal bottles

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)
Clear mug of apple cider with plaid slow cooker in the background.

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 it cold or reheat it again.
Finished apple cider in slow cooker with cider in mugs around the sides.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider

5 from 3 votes
Apple cider cooked in the crock pot along with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 124kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

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)
US Customary – Metric

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.
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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 Information:

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

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More slow cooker warm beverage recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
  • Slow Cooker Mint Hot Chocolate
  • Slow Cooker Wassail
  • Slow Cooker Fireball Apple Cider
  • Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Lattes
  • Slow Cooker Bailey’s Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
  • Slow Cooker Strawberry Mulled Wine
  • Slow Cooker Eggnog Lattes
  • Slow Cooker Red Hots Punch
  • Slow Cooker Candy Corn Hot Chocolate
  • Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

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