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Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe – Easy Spiced Drink for Fall Parties

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This cozy crockpot apple cider is packed with fresh apples, oranges, and warming spices, making it the perfect festive drink for fall gatherings. Slow-cooked for hours, it fills your home with an irresistible autumn aroma and is loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 medium fresh apples (mix of sweet and tart, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and quartered
  • 2 medium oranges, sliced (peel on, seeds removed if visible)
  • 3–4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 5–6 allspice berries (optional)
  • 1-inch knob fresh ginger, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1–2 star anise (optional)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or maple syrup or honey, to taste)
  • 10 cups water (about 2.4 liters, enough to cover fruit)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cranberries
  • Optional: 1 split vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash apples and oranges thoroughly. Core and quarter apples (no need to peel). Slice oranges into rounds, removing seeds if needed. Slice ginger if using fresh.
  2. Place apple quarters and orange slices into the crockpot. Add cranberries if using. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, ginger, and star anise.
  3. Pour in 10 cups of water, enough to cover the fruit but not exceed the crockpot’s max fill line.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until apples are soft and flavors are well blended.
  5. Use a potato masher or sturdy spoon to gently mash the fruit to release more flavor.
  6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher to remove solids and spices.
  7. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to taste (start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired). If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
  8. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries. Keep crockpot on ‘warm’ for parties. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers as needed.

Notes

Mix sweet and tart apples for best flavor. Whole spices are easier to strain out and give a cleaner taste. Adjust sweetness at the end, as apples vary in sugar content. For a festive twist, add cranberries or vanilla. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well. For adult gatherings, serve with spiced rum or bourbon on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot apple cider, slow cooker cider, fall drink, spiced cider, holiday drink, non-alcoholic, party drink, apple cider recipe, easy apple cider, autumn beverage

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/crockpot-apple-cider-recipe-easy-spiced-drink-for-fall-parties/