Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best Budget Recipe
This cozy slow cooker spiced apple cider is a budget-friendly, kid-approved warm drink that fills your house with the amazing aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. With just 5 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for a delicious, comforting beverage perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) apple juice or apple cider
- 1 large orange, washed and sliced into rounds
- 4–5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 15 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 2–3 star anise pods (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into thin, even rounds (about ¼-inch thick). Do not peel.
- Pour the 8 cups of apple juice or cider into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Gently add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise (if using).
- If using maple syrup or honey, drizzle it in and give the mixture a very gentle stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Do not cook on HIGH.
- After at least 4 hours, taste the cider and adjust sweetness or spice level if needed. Add another cinnamon stick or a splash of maple syrup and let steep for 30 more minutes if desired.
- Before serving, use a slotted spoon or fine-mesh strainer to remove the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries. Leave star anise in for garnish if desired.
- Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting to keep the cider hot for up to 4 hours. Ladle into mugs and serve.
Notes
Don’t boil the cider; keep it on LOW to avoid cloudiness and harsh flavors. Use whole spices instead of ground to prevent a cloudy, gritty texture. For easy cleanup, stick cloves directly into orange slices before adding to the slow cooker. This cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces)
- Calories: 110130
- Sugar: 2428
- Sodium: 1020
- Carbohydrates: 2832
Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, apple cider, spiced cider, slow cooker drink, warm drink, fall recipe, winter drink, holiday drink, budget-friendly, kid-friendly