Slow Cooker Pear Cider
Give traditional cider a twist by making this delicious pear cider. All you need are just a few fresh ingredients for a beverage everyone is sure to enjoy.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 5-6 pears sliced
- 1 liter apple cider (about 4.5 cups)
- ½ tsp. orange extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise plus more for garnish
- 1 inch fresh ginger root sliced
- 1 whole nutmeg
- ½ tsp. cloves
- ¼ cup maple syrup you can also use brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the pears by slicing them.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker:
- In a small, 2-3 quart slow cooker, combine the apple cider, sliced pears, orange flavor, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger root, nutmeg, cloves, maple syrup and two cups of water.
Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 4-5 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the pears to soften and infuse their flavor into the cider.
Strain the Cider:
- Place a medium-sized strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl and strain the cider.
- Pull the corners of the cheesecloth up and around the pulp, squeezing out any excess liquid into the bowl.
Serve:
- Return the cider to the slow cooker and set to warm. If you lost a lot of liquid to evaporation during cooking, add more warm water. When ready to serve, ladle the spiced pear cider into mugs or glasses. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, anise and a sprig of rosemary. You can also garnish with a thin slice of fresh pear and a piece of candied ginger.
Notes
Can I use any type of pears for making pear cider in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can use various pear varieties to make pear cider in the slow cooker. Common choices include Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, or any ripe pears you prefer. Different pear varieties may slightly alter the flavor of the cider, so feel free to experiment to find the taste you like best. Just make sure the pears are ripe for the best flavor.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pear cider made in the slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can adjust the sweetness of your slow cooker pear cider to your preference. If you find the cider isn't sweet enough, you can add more maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice. Conversely, if you want a less sweet cider, reduce the amount of sweetener you add. Taste and adjust as needed during the cooking process or before serving to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
How long does it take to make pear cider in the slow cooker?
Making pear cider in the slow cooker typically takes 3-4 hours on the low heat setting or 1-2 hours on the high heat setting. However, the exact time may vary depending on factors such as the size and ripeness of the pears and the specific slow cooker model. It's important to periodically check the cider for taste and tenderness of the pears during the cooking process to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
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