Not only is this super easy Crock Pot Apple Cider absolutely delicious, but it will also make your house smell like a dream come true! Just toss the fruit and spices into the crock pot and let this homemade apple cider cook on low until you’re ready to enjoy a steaming hot cup of sweet spiced cider. Whether you add a splash of rum or keep it family-friendly, this hot mulled cider recipe is perfect for entertaining during the holidays, for both fall and winter!
Want more holiday beverage ideas? Try this traditional Apple Bourbon Moscow Mule recipe, Pumpkin Spice Cocktails or check out How to Make a Bloody Mary Bar.
This is one of the easiest apple cider recipes, as the crock pot does all the work.
HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE
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Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
Cinnamon Sticks, 2.75 Inch Sticks
Hot Toddy Irish Coffee Mug for Mulled Wine, Spiked Cider, Eggnog, 12 oz, Clear Glass
What Goes into Apple Cider in a Crock Pot
This Crock Pot Apple Cider is super simple and only requires a few, mostly fresh, ingredients. The stars of this show are the apples and spices, so be sure to choose apple varieties with a lot of flavor for the best-tasting apple cider.
INGREDIENTS
Apples (at least 2 or 3 different varieties like Honey Crisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious)
Sliced Oranges
Cinnamon Sticks
Whole Cloves
Knob of Fresh Ginger
Brown Sugar
How to Make Apple Cider in a Crock Pot
It is so incredibly easy to make this simple spiced apple cider that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it at home all along! Cut your apples into quarters and remove the stems and seeds (no need to completely core the apple). Cut your orange into quarters.
Add all of the apple and orange slices and spices to a 6 quart Crock Pot and cover with water (it should come almost to the brim of the crock pot as pictured above), then turn it on low and let it cook for at least 12 hours and up to 20 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper golden the color gets and the richer the flavor gets. The batch pictured here was cooked for 18 hours.
When the cider is finished cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks and the orange peels. Then, using the back of a ladle, large spoon, or potato masher, smash the apples up a little bit to release the juices – this will be really easy because the apples are already very soft and mushy.
Then strain the apples through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to release any remaining juices.
It’s almost time to enjoy that piping hot cider, but first, you’ll want to add a little bit of sugar. I start with 1/3 cup brown sugar and then taste. For the batch pictured here, I used a combination of Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, and Gala apples that were all very sweet and juicy, so I didn’t need more than 1/3 cup of brown sugar for a perfect pot of cider.
At this point, feel free to add a splash of rum or your favorite bourbon for an alcoholic cider drink if desired.
How do you serve hot apple cider at a party?
I love to make this Crock Pot Mulled Cider because it makes the house smell amazing for guests, and it’s so easy to serve!
After I’ve strained and sweetened the cider, I pour the cider back into the crock pot and turn it to a warm setting. Then I just set out a ladle and mugs/cups, and guests can serve themselves a ladleful of warm cider on their own. The crock pot keeps it warm, and it keeps that sweet, spicy smell wafting through the party.
You can store leftover cider in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, just pour it back into the crockpot and heat on low until it’s warmed through and ready to serve.
Pin it HERE!!
Pin it HERE!!
Crock Pot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 medium Apples at least 2 or 3 different varieties like Honey Crisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious
- 1 Orange
- 3 small cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2 inch piece of ginger peeled
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or more to taste
- Optional: splash of rum or bourbon
Instructions
- Cut your apples into quarters and remove the stems and seeds (no need to completely core the apple). Cut your orange into quarters.
- Add all of the apple and orange slices and spices to a 6 quart Crock Pot and cover with water (it should come almost to the brim of the crock pot), then turn it on low and let it cook for at least 12 hours and up to 20 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper golden the color gets and the richer the flavor gets.
- When the cider is finished cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks and the orange peels. Then, using the back of a ladle, large spoon, or potato masher, smash the apples up a little bit to release the juices – this will be really easy because the apples are already very soft and mushy.
- Strain the apples through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to release any remaining juices. Add 1/3 cup brown sugar to the strained cider and taste (carefully, it will be hot!). Adjust sugar as desired. Add a splash of rum or bourbon if desired. Serve warm.
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