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Cozy Small-Batch Crockpot Apple Cider – Easy Homemade Recipe

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This cozy small-batch crockpot apple cider is made with simple ingredients like apples, orange, and spices, simmered low and slow for a warm, comforting drink that tastes like fall in a mug. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s naturally sweetened and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 medium apples (mixed varieties, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and sliced
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  1. Core and slice 3-4 medium apples into wedges. Leave the peels on. Slice 1 medium orange into thin rounds. No need to peel.
  2. Place the apple slices, orange rounds, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 2 star anise pods (if using), and 2 tablespoons maple syrup into your crockpot. Pour in 4 cups of water.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavor you’ll extract.
  5. After 4 hours, taste the cider. If you want it sweeter, add another tablespoon of maple syrup. If you want more spice, let it cook another hour.
  6. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cider into a large bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids. Press gently on the fruit with a spoon to extract any remaining liquid.
  7. Ladle the cider into mugs and serve immediately. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice if desired.

Notes

For best results, use organic apples and oranges to avoid wax or pesticide residue. Toast the spices in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds before adding for deeper flavor. If you don’t have whole cinnamon sticks, use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, but the cider may be cloudy. To skip straining, put cloves and star anise in a mesh tea ball. Let strained cider rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for balanced flavor. Double the recipe for a crowd.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, small batch apple cider, homemade apple cider, fall drink, cozy drink

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/cozy-small-batch-crockpot-apple-cider-easy-homemade-recipe/