When the weather turns chilly, I immediately break out my slow cooker for this spiced hot apple cider slow cooker. I can’t wait to share my absolute favorite holiday drink with you!
The combination of fresh apples, orange slices and warming spices creates pure magic as it simmers.
My home fills with the most incredible aroma, and guests always ask what smells so amazing when they walk through the door.
Want to know my secret ingredient that takes this cozy drink from great to unforgettable?
Ingredients
- Apple cider
- Brown sugar
- Apple
- Orange
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
- Cranberries
- Bourbon (optional)
Recommended Tools
Brewing a delicious batch of Spiced Hot Apple Cider is super easy when you have the right tools on hand. The slow cooker method makes this a hands-off recipe, but you’ll still need a few kitchen essentials to prep the ingredients and serve this warming drink with style.
- Slow Cooker:
The star of this recipe, allowing the cider and spices to simmer gently for hours while developing rich flavors.
- Sharp Knife:
Essential for thinly slicing the apple and orange to release their flavors into the cider.
- Cutting Board:
Provides a stable surface for preparing the fruit slices without damaging your countertops.
- Measuring Cups:
Helps you get the perfect ratio of apple cider and brown sugar for optimal sweetness.
- Measuring Spoons:
Ensures you add just the right amount of spices without overwhelming the delicate apple flavor.
- Ladle:
Makes serving the hot cider much easier and prevents spills when transferring to mugs.
Instructions for Spiced Hot Apple Cider Slow Cooker
Making this cozy spiced hot apple cider couldn’t be easier! Just grab your slow cooker and let’s get started.
First, pour 8 cups of apple cider into your slow cooker – this forms the delicious base of our warm beverage. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and give everything a good stir to help the sugar dissolve.
Now for the fun part – adding all those amazing aromatics! Thinly slice 1 apple and 1 orange, then toss them into the mixture. Drop in 3-4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, and 2-3 star anise.
These spices will work their magic as everything simmers together! Finally, throw in ½ cup of cranberries (fresh or frozen both work perfectly).
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat for 3-4 hours. Your home will smell absolutely incredible as this cider brews!
When you’re ready to serve, replace some of the cooked fruit slices with fresh ones for a prettier presentation. Keep the cider warm in the slow cooker so everyone can help themselves throughout your gathering.
Want to make an adult version? Just add a splash of bourbon or your favorite spirit to each mug before pouring in the hot cider. Cheers to staying warm and cozy!
Pro Tips
For easy cleanup and serving, place the whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise) in a cheesecloth bundle or large tea infuser before adding to the slow cooker, allowing all the flavor to infuse without having to strain out individual spices later.
Substitutions & Variations
This classic apple cider recipe offers a flexible foundation for creating custom flavor profiles to suit any occasion or preference.
- Fruity Twist: Substitute pears for apples and add a handful of blackberries instead of cranberries for a different fruit profile
- Tropical Vibes: Replace orange slices with pineapple chunks and add 1 tbsp of grated ginger for an exotic flavor combination
- Caramel Apple: Use 1/4 cup caramel sauce instead of brown sugar and add a vanilla bean split lengthwise for a dessert-inspired drink
- Herbal Infusion: Add sprigs of rosemary and thyme along with the spices for an earthy aromatic dimension
- Chai-Spiced: Include 2-3 cardamom pods, 1 tsp black peppercorns and 4-5 tea bags for a chai-inspired cider
- Zero-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with 1/4 cup of apple juice concentrate or maple syrup for a naturally sweetened version
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Proper storage of your spiced hot apple cider ensures you’ll enjoy that cozy, aromatic goodness for days after brewing.
Pour cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready for another mug, simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave until steaming.
Don’t toss the fruit—it’s delicious over ice cream!
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Spiced Hot Apple Cider
A warming slow cooker spiced apple cider perfect for holiday gatherings.
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 2-3 star anise
- ½ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Replace some cooked fruit with fresh slices for garnish.
- Keep warm and serve.
- Optional: Add bourbon or spiked liquor before serving for a spirited version.
