Description
A simple, cozy, and forgiving slow cooker mulled apple cider that requires only five ingredients. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe fills your home with holiday aromas and serves as a perfect non-alcoholic base for adults to add spirits.
Ingredients
- 4 quarts 100% Apple Cider (pasteurized, not from concentrate)
- 2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
- 4 large cinnamon sticks
- 3–4 whole star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- Optional: 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- Optional: ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
- Optional: 1 vanilla bean pod, split
- Optional for serving: Dark rum, bourbon, or brandy
- Optional for garnish: Fresh orange slices, rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Wash oranges thoroughly and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds, removing any seeds to prevent bitterness.
- Pour the 4 quarts of apple cider into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and cloves to the slow cooker. Add optional spices like allspice or peppercorns if desired.
- Give the mixture a gentle stir to submerge the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Do not cook on HIGH to preserve flavor and clarity.
- Taste the cider after 4 hours. If it needs more spice, cook for another hour. If it is too strong, dilute with plain cider.
- Optionally, remove the orange slices after 3-4 hours to prevent bitterness from breaking down.
- Ladle the hot cider into heat-safe mugs. Strain if a smooth texture is preferred.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary. Add alcohol to individual mugs if desired.
- Keep the slow cooker on LOW or WARM to maintain temperature throughout serving.
Notes
Do not use apple juice as it is too sweet and lacks the tartness of cider. If using apple juice, add lemon juice to balance sweetness. Avoid boiling the cider as it evaporates delicate flavors. For easier cleanup, place whole spices in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser. Alcohol should be added to individual mugs, not the slow cooker, to prevent evaporation and allow for customization.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: slow cooker mulled apple cider, holiday punch, winter drinks, non-alcoholic mulled cider, easy holiday recipes, 5-ingredient recipes, cozy winter drinks