One of my favorite drinks is Apple Cider. I love making Slow Cooker Apple Cider because I love the smell of it simmering throughout the day.
Of course, turning it into a butterscotch apple cider is always a treat too.
I use homemade apple juice (just fresh pressed apple juice that I can from my own apples) but any unsweetened apple juice will do. You can get fancy with it and use cranberry juice instead.
I like my apple cider on the more tart side if you want it sweeter you can add in sugar, honey or any sweetener of your choice.
If you do not like to have all kinds of different spices on hand, you can purchase Epicure Mulling Spices and add 8 tsp of it to the 4 L of apple juice. I would still add the fresh orange slices if you can, but if you do not have it, the spice has the peel in it, so it’s convenient.
Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider
This slow cooker hot apple cider is easy to make and it makes the house smell so wonderful as it simmers.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Category: drinks
Ingredients
- 4 L – apple juice (unsweetened)
- 4 cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 small star anise (or half a big one)
- 1 orange sliced (with peel on)
- a sprinkle of nutmeg
Instructions
- Pour your apple juice into the slow cooker (you may also use cranberry juice)
- Put the spices into a spice bag and add to the slow cooker (or add straight in and strain before serving)
- Add in the orange slices.
- Turn the slow cooker on High for 2-3 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.
- Take spices out before serving. You may top with whip cream, or add your choice of sweetener if desired.
If you are feeling extra ambitious you can serve the hot apple cider in cored out apple cups or drizzle with whip cream and butterscotch.
You may also enjoy these 13 hot drinks to make at home.
If you are looking for options you can purchase, here is a Hot Spiced Cider Concentrate or if you want something really easy, consider the Keurig Apple Cider.
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Kim Tanti says
Thank You for this recipe. I love the orange cups.
★★★★
LisaM says
I can almost smell this…
Chandra O'Connor says
I think I would do cranberry juice, I like that it’s hot with out worrying about burning. The apples cut out with cider really cute.
Cheryl says
Sounds so good!! I can just imagine what it smells like!!! Will so have to make a pot over the holidays 🙂
nicolthepickle says
This looks so lovely. And I had no idea that I could use apple juice. I’m going to try and thank you.
christina moore says
I love this, this will be great for Christmas Eve
Cynthia C says
This is perfect to put out for our holidays. I like that it’s kid-friendly for the little ones in the family.
Lynda Cook says
This looks so good, I love the idea of serving in a hollow out apple, so cool!!
Victoria Ess says
This sounds so good!
AD says
Love this! So festive and I enjoy Hot Apple Cider (love your presentation in the apples). Do you have a recipe for mulled wine?
Jenn says
I love apple cider too! I can’t wait to try this.
June M says
I like the idea of serving apple cider inside cored out apples.
Cheryl MacPhail says
I just love apple cider!! Just wish I wasn’t allergic to it *sniff* It smells and tastes so yummy!!
Linda H says
Hot apple cider is soo good!
nicolthepickle says
This is my go to recipe now. I love that I can just use apple juice as it’s way easier to find than real cider.
Try this people!
★★★★★
Carol S says
We love hot apple cider, especially for the holidays. I love the idea for using apple cups!
★★★★★
Anonymous says
I wanted to make a small batch, so I only used 1 liter of juice, but I used the full amount of spices and oranges. It turned out delicious! So much better than the instant packets I’ve been using, and sugar free! I will definitely make this again!
kathy downey says
We love hot apple cider and those orange cups are genius!