Cozy Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
A warm, spiced slow cooker mulled apple cider perfect for autumn gatherings, combining simple pantry ingredients to create a comforting and aromatic drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (8 oz each) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
- 4–5 cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon cinnamon)
- 8–10 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise pieces
- 1 medium fresh orange, sliced into rounds with peel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
- Optional: a few slices fresh ginger
- Optional: splash of apple brandy for adult version
Instructions
- Rinse and slice the orange into rounds. Peel and slice fresh ginger if using.
- Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, orange slices, and ginger slices if using.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter cider.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours to allow spices to infuse deeply without boiling.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve warm by ladling into mugs, avoiding whole spices. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.
Notes
Use fresh orange peel for brightness instead of dried. Avoid high heat to prevent bitterness. For easier cleanup, use a spice sachet. Adjust sweetness to taste halfway through cooking. Keep cider covered to lock in flavors and prevent reduction. Reheat gently to preserve flavor. Serve between 130°F and 160°F (54°C – 71°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces (240 ml)
- Calories: 120150
- Sugar: 2530
- Carbohydrates: 3035
Keywords: slow cooker, mulled apple cider, autumn drink, cozy beverage, spiced cider, fall recipe, warm drink, holiday drink