Description
This Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider recipe is a warm and cozy beverage perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings. Infused with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and fresh orange slices, this cider simmers slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors. It can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic drink or spiked with rum or bourbon for an adult version. Easy to prepare and perfectly suited for a slow cooker, this cider provides a deliciously aromatic experience that fills your home with seasonal cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (more to taste)
Optional Alcoholic Addition
- 1 cup rum or bourbon
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange: Begin by washing the orange thoroughly. Slice the orange into rounds, keeping the skin on to add extra flavor to the cider as it cooks.
- Add Apple Cider to Crockpot: Pour the 8 cups of apple cider into your crockpot. Adjust the amount if you want a less sweet cider, adding more later to taste.
- Add Orange Slices: Place the sliced orange evenly into the crockpot with the cider, distributing them throughout the liquid.
- Add Spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and sliced ginger to the crockpot to infuse the cider with warm and spicy flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the spices, orange slices, and cider are mixed together well.
- Add Brown Sugar: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mixture, stirring it in. Adjust the sweetness during cooking if necessary.
- Cook the Cider: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to the low setting. Cook for 4-6 hours to allow flavors to meld, or use the high setting for 2-3 hours if short on time.
- Adjust Flavor: After cooking, taste the cider and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired by adding more brown sugar or spices.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): If making the adult version, stir in 1 cup of rum or bourbon at this point to preserve the alcohol content.
- Strain the Cider: Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the orange slices and spices before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot spiced cider in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice for presentation and extra aroma.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker or crockpot for best results and ease of preparation.
- Fresh ginger adds a more vibrant spice; dried ginger can be used but adjust quantity if needed.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with maple syrup or honey for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust spices to taste; adding star anise or nutmeg can enhance the complexity.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or bourbon.
- Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain heat and flavor concentration.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
