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Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider

This slow cooker spiced apple cider is a warm, comforting drink perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Infused with apples, citrus, and autumn spices, it’s simple to make and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 medium-sized apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith)
  • 12 oranges, sliced
  • 46 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 23 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 8 cups water

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and oranges thoroughly. Core and quarter the apples (no need to peel them). Slice the oranges into rounds.
  2. Place the prepared apples and oranges into your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top.
  3. Pour in enough water to cover all the fruit, approximately 8 cups.
  4. Set your slow cooker to low and let the cider simmer for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. After cooking, use a large spoon or potato masher to gently mash the apples and oranges to release their juices.
  6. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or pot. Pour the cider through the strainer to remove solids.
  7. Taste the cider and adjust sweetness with more brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup if needed.
  8. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Notes

[‘Using a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the cider a well-rounded flavor.’, ‘Mashing the fruit releases all the juices and enhances the flavor.’, ‘Taste as you go to adjust sweetness based on the apples used.’, ‘Wrapping spices in cheesecloth makes cleanup easier.’, ‘Add more water during cooking if the cider becomes too thick.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, slow cooker, fall drink, spiced cider, autumn recipe, cozy drink