Description

A simple, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker hot apple cider infused with whole spices, fresh apples, and orange. This cozy winter drink fills your home with aroma and requires minimal active effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 gallon (3.8 liters) 100% pure apple juice or fresh-pressed cider
2–3 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith), sliced into wedges
½ cup (100g) dark brown sugar
3–4 large cinnamon sticks
6–8 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon allspice berries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, added before serving)
2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

Wash apples and oranges thoroughly. Slice apples into wedges and oranges into thin rounds. Slice fresh ginger thinly.
Add apple juice, sliced apples, orange slices, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, and ginger to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
Stir well to help dissolve the sugar.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. (Can cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours if short on time, but flavor will be less deep).
Taste the cider after 4 hours. Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar or maple syrup, or add more spice if desired.
Keep on the ‘Warm’ setting until ready to serve.
Ladle into mugs, straining out spices and fruit if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
For a boozy version, add a shot of bourbon, rum, or brandy to individual mugs before serving.

Notes

Use whole spices only to avoid a gritty texture. Do not boil the cider; low heat preserves delicate apple flavors. The cider can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If using ground spices, the cider will become cloudy. For best flavor, let the cider steep in the slow cooker on ‘Warm’ for an extra hour or two after cooking.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 90
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 5
Carbohydrates: 22

Keywords: slow cooker, hot apple cider, winter drink, cozy recipes, holiday drinks, non-alcoholic, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipes