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–+ servings
Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider 1

Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider

This homemade crockpot spiced apple cider transforms ordinary apple juice into a warming, fragrant beverage that embodies the essence of fall with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the spices to infuse deeply while filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Crockpot/Slow Cooker
  • Cheesecloth
  • Kitchen Twine

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider or unfiltered apple juice 3.8 liters
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole orange sliced into rounds
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 whole nutmeg cracked (or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 2 inch fresh ginger sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional

Instructions
 

  • Pour the apple cider or juice into your crockpot. Create a spice bundle by wrapping the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth. Tie it with kitchen twine to seal.
  • Add the spice bundle (or loose spices), orange slices, and ginger to the crockpot.
  • Cover and set your crockpot to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  • After about 2 hours on HIGH (or 4 hours on LOW), taste your cider and adjust the sweetness by adding maple syrup or brown sugar. Add vanilla extract if desired.
  • Once fully infused, remove the spice bundle and ginger slices. Keep the cider on the "WARM" setting for serving. Provide a ladle and heat-resistant mugs. Garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or star anise pods if desired.

Notes

For a less sweet version, use half apple juice and half water.
You can use 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice blend if you can't find whole spices.
Leftover cider can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For adult gatherings, consider offering bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey as optional additions.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 26gVitamin C: 12mg
Keyword Apple Cider, Spiced Cider, Fall Drinks, Crockpot Recipe, Slow Cooker
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