Crockpot Apple Cider

Mulled cider is a classic cold-weather beverage and this crockpot apple cider recipe is one of the easiest ways to make it happen. Making apple cider in the crockpot couldn’t be easier: just stir in the ingredients and walk away.

If you should happen to get tired of making apple cider in a crockpot (say it’s not so!) you also have the option of making mulled wine or even spiced ale. They’re all good and your slow cooker is the most convenient way to make them happen.

Ingredients for Crockpot Apple Cider

• Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon brings a deep, warm flavor to the cider. Using it in whole form means your cider stays appealing to the eye.
• Whole cloves: The sharp flavor and aroma of cloves complements both apples and cinnamon.
• Whole allspice: Allspice isn’t a blend. It is a single spice native to Jamaica. The name comes from its happy resemblance to all of the warm spices combined together.
• Apple cider: Tart, flavorful apple cider is one of the tastes of autumn. Serving it warmed with spices is a slam-dunk way to ease the chill of those cool-weather evenings.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is here primarily as a sweetener. It also has a mild caramel note of its own that complements the apples and spices.
• Orange slices: The orange slices are primarily for looks but they also add a pleasingly complementary flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Bag the spices

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Lay the cinnamon, cloves and allspice on a square of doubled cheesecloth. Bring up the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them with a string to form a bag.

Editor’s Tip: Once you’ve tied the bag (the French call this a “sachet d’epices”), leave one end of the string long enough to tie to a handle of your slow cooker. This makes it easy to remove once its flavors are fully infused into the cider.

Step 2: Simmer the cider

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Pour the cider into a 3-quart slow cooker. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and then add the bag of spices. Place the orange slices on top. Cover and cook on low for two to three hours or until the cider is hot and the flavors of the spices are well infused. Remove and discard the spice bag before serving.

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Crockpot Apple Cider Variations

• Change up the cider: Apple cider is the traditional choice for mulling but that doesn’t mean you need to limit yourself. Pear cider and other fruit ciders are equally good in this recipe. Apple ciders that have other fruit or berries added in are also a great choice. If the combination you want isn’t available feel free to improvise it yourself, like this peachy spiced cider.
• Tweak the flavorings: The spices this recipe calls for are the classic choices but you can vary the flavor with a number of add-ins. Other spices you might opt for include licorice-y choices like fennel seed, caraway seed or star anise, cardamom seeds or even toasted fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek is used a lot in Indian cooking and it has an interesting note of butterscotch or maple with a hint of bitterness. Aside from spices, fresh or dried cranberries add color and a bit of seasonal flair.
• Make a grown-up version with alcohol: If your gathering is adults-only (and you’re sure none of the guests have issues with alcohol) you can make a boozy version of this recipe. The simplest way to do that is by using hard cider instead of sweet cider. Alternatively, you can add a splash of brandy, bourbon or whiskey. We have an explainer on the difference between bourbon and whiskey if you need a refresher.

How to Store Crockpot Apple Cider

Leftover cider can be ladled into a pitcher or mason jars or any other container you’d ordinarily use for beverages. Remove the orange slices or other garnishes if you use them. Keep it refrigerated and reheat it (or drink it cold) as desired.

Can I make this apple cider crockpot recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you certainly can. If you choose to prepare it ahead of time you should remove the orange slices because their peel will make the cider bitter. Making the cider two to three days ahead of time allows plenty of opportunity for the flavors to meld. You can return it to the slow cooker for serving and add fresh orange slices or other garnishes. Alternatively, you can heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop or one mug at a time in the microwave.

How long does crockpot apple cider keep?

Cider is acidic enough to stay food safe for several days. Although, it’s best to drink it up within the first week. The longer you keep it the greater the risk that it will ferment.

Can I freeze my apple cider?

You can if you wish, yes. Pour the cooled cider into freezer-safe containers with tight-fitting lids, allowing room for expansion. It’s better to use multiple small containers rather than a single large one. That way you can pull out a small container for just a cup or two or several to serve a crowd. Small blocks of frozen cider thaw more quickly than a single large one.

Crockpot Apple Cider Tips

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Can I just use regular old apple juice?

You sure can. If sweet cider is hard to get where you live or if you prefer the clarity of filtered apple juice, by all means use it. The flavor will be much the same.

Do I need to use a slow cooker?

You can use a heavy-bottomed saucepan or stock pot on the stovetop, if you prefer. You’ll need to stir it periodically and monitor it to make sure it doesn’t come to a full boil. If it does, you’ll need to turn it down to avoid scorching or boiling over. Just keep it to a low simmer and use a lid on the pot. If you don’t have a standalone slow cooker you can also use the “slow cooker” mode on an Instant pot or similar multi-cooker.

Can I simmer my cider for longer than two to three hours?

Yup, once it’s up to temperature you certainly have that option. Just remove the cheesecloth bag of spices at the 3-hour mark so their flavors don’t become overpowering. Turn the slow cooker down to its “warm” setting and it will be fine until your guests arrive. It’s prudent to check the temperature after one or two hours. Not all slow cookers are created equal and some may not keep the cider at a serving temperature. If the “keep warm” isn’t hot enough, turn it back up to the low setting at least an hour before your guests arrive.