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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider 1

Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider

This delicious recipe transforms ordinary apple cider into an extraordinary seasonal treat with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing your home with inviting aromas while you enjoy the season. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on a chilly evening, this boozy apple cider recipe creates the perfect fall atmosphere with every sip.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Ladle
  • Heat-Resistant Mugs

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider unfiltered, 128oz
  • 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a tea infuser
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 whole nutmeg cracked, or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 whole orange sliced into rounds
  • 1 whole apple sliced into thin wedges
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup optional for added sweetness

Alcohol & Garnish

  • 1 1/2 cups spiced rum, bourbon, or whiskey adjust to taste
  • star anise pods for garnish (optional)
  • extra apple and orange slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your ingredients by gently crushing the cinnamon sticks with the back of a knife and lightly pressing on the whole cloves to release their aromatic oils.
  • Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, cracked nutmeg, orange slices, and apple slices. If using honey or maple syrup, stir it in now.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 hours.
  • After the initial cooking period, add your chosen alcohol to the slow cooker. For varied preferences, consider serving the alcohol on the side.
  • Ladle the hot spiked cider into heatproof mugs or glasses. Garnish with fresh apple slices, orange rounds, cinnamon sticks, or star anise pods.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the spirits and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for complexity.
For a less sweet version, use half apple cider and half unsweetened apple juice.
You can keep leftover cider in the slow cooker on the "warm" setting for up to 3 hours during a gathering.
Cooled cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Apple Cider, Slow Cooker Recipes, Fall Drinks, Holiday Beverages, Spiked Cider
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