Quick Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider: Easy Homemade Recipe
This quick slow cooker mulled apple cider is the perfect last-minute party drink. Simply combine apple cider with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, then let the slow cooker do the work for a warm, fragrant beverage that tastes like Christmas morning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces (1.9 liters) apple cider
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 15 to 20)
- 2 to 3 star anise pods (optional)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
- 2 to 3 thin slices fresh ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the orange thoroughly and slice into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Leave the peel on.
- Pour the apple cider into a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise (if using), and ginger slices (if using). If using maple syrup or brown sugar, stir it in now.
- Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours or on High for 1.5 to 2 hours. Do not let it boil.
- Taste after 2 hours and adjust spices if desired. Switch to Warm setting to keep ready for serving.
- If desired, strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove spices. Otherwise, serve directly from the slow cooker.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or apple slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it will flatten the flavor. Use whole spices instead of ground to avoid cloudiness. The cider tastes even better the next day. For a spiked version, add 1/2 cup bourbon, dark rum, or brandy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: mulled apple cider, slow cooker cider, holiday drink, apple cider, mulled cider, easy cider recipe