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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best Easy Recipe

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This cozy slow cooker spiced apple cider is a balanced, warming drink that fills your house with an incredible aroma. It’s simple enough for a weekday afternoon but special enough for holiday gatherings, and the slow cooker does all the work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 oz / 1.9 L) good-quality apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
  • 2 cups (16 oz / 475 ml) water (or more apple cider for stronger flavor)
  • 1 large orange, washed and sliced into rounds (peel on)
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into rounds
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon (about 6-8) whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon (about 6-8) whole allspice berries
  • 3–4 star anise pods
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
  • Fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or orange peel curls for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Core the apple and slice it into similar rounds (peel on). Peel the ginger and cut it into thin coins. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise.
  2. Bundle the spices (optional): Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise, and ginger coins in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and tie closed.
  3. Combine everything in the slow cooker: Pour the apple cider and water into the slow cooker. Add the orange slices, apple slices, and spice bundle (or loose spices). If using vanilla extract, hold off until the end. Drizzle in maple syrup or honey if using.
  4. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
  5. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Do not exceed 4 hours on LOW to avoid bitterness.
  6. Check the flavor after minimum cooking time. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or lemon juice as needed.
  7. Remove solids: Lift out the spice bundle and discard. Use a slotted spoon to remove orange and apple slices. If using loose spices, strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
  8. If using vanilla extract, stir it in just before serving.
  9. Switch slow cooker to WARM setting for serving. Stir every hour to keep flavors distributed.
  10. Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks, star anise, or apple slices if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook; spices can become bitter. Toast whole spices in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes for deeper flavor. Use a mix of apple cider and water/juice for best texture. Strain before serving for a clear drink. Cider tastes even better the next day. For parties, keep on WARM setting for up to 4 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, apple cider, mulled cider, fall drink, warm apple cider, slow cooker drink, holiday drink

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider-best-easy-recipe/