Wholesome Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best Easy Recipe
This wholesome slow cooker spiced apple cider is naturally sweetened, incredibly easy to make, and fills your home with a cozy, magical aroma. It’s the perfect drink for fall gatherings or a quiet night in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 2 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) 100% apple juice (not from concentrate)
- 2 medium apples, cored and quartered (1 Honeycrisp, 1 Granny Smith)
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds (do not peel)
- 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 ml) pure maple syrup
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon (6 grams) whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) whole star anise (optional)
- 1 piece (2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
Instructions
- Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Core the apples and cut into quarters (no need to peel). Slice the orange into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds. Peel the ginger and cut into thin coins.
- Place the apple quarters, orange slices, and ginger coins into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise (if using).
- Pour the 8 cups of apple juice over the fruit and spices. Drizzle in the 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker. Set to LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours on LOW (or 1 hour on HIGH), taste and adjust sweetness. Add the extra tablespoon of maple syrup if desired.
- If you want a clear cider, strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or pitcher. Discard solids. For a rustic look, serve straight from the slow cooker.
- Ladle the cider into mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overcook the cider; stick to the recommended time to avoid bitterness. The orange peel is essential for brightness. Use whole spices only to avoid a gritty texture. For a boozy version, add a shot of dark rum, bourbon, or Calvados to each mug before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, wholesome apple cider, easy apple cider recipe, fall drink, naturally sweetened apple cider