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Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 85 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 4h 0m
  • Total Time: 4h 15m
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Orange Slices: Place the sliced orange evenly into the crockpot with the cider, distributing them throughout the liquid.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the spices, orange slices, and cider are mixed together well.
  6. Add Brown Sugar: Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mixture, stirring it in. Adjust the sweetness during cooking if necessary.
  7. 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.
  8. Adjust Flavor: After cooking, taste the cider and adjust sweetness or spice levels as desired by adding more brown sugar or spices.
  9. Add Alcohol (Optional): If making the adult version, stir in 1 cup of rum or bourbon at this point to preserve the alcohol content.
  10. Strain the Cider: Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the orange slices and spices before serving.
  11. 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.