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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best Easy Recipe

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This slow cooker spiced apple cider is a warm, aromatic drink that tastes like autumn in a mug. Made with simple ingredients and a secret touch of orange peel, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 large orange
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • Optional: 1 star anise
  • Optional garnishes: extra cinnamon sticks, apple slices, fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prep the citrus and apple. Wash the orange thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove 4-5 wide strips of zest from the orange. Try to get just the orange part—the white pith underneath is bitter. Then cut the orange in half and juice it into a small bowl. Slice the apple into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Leave the peel on.
  2. Toast the whole spices (optional but recommended). Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries. Shake the pan gently until you smell them—about 60-90 seconds. If using star anise, toast it with the others.
  3. Combine everything in the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, toasted spices, orange zest strips, orange juice, and apple slices. Give everything a quick stir to dissolve the sugar. Drop the star anise in if using.
  4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. The low heat slowly extracts all the flavor from the spices and fruit. Don’t rush this by cooking on high.
  5. Strain before serving. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or heatproof pitcher. Carefully pour the cider through the strainer to catch all the whole spices, orange zest, and apple slices.
  6. Taste and adjust. If it needs more sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. If it needs more spice, add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon.
  7. Serve warm. Ladle the cider into mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, a thin apple slice, or a sprig of rosemary if desired.

Notes

Toasting the whole spices before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor. Don’t skip the orange peel—it brightens the cider. Strain thoroughly to avoid biting into whole cloves. The cider can be made a day ahead and reheated. For an adult version, stir in 1/2 cup of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy after straining.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, hot apple cider, spiced cider, fall drink, winter drink, slow cooker drink, apple cider recipe

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