Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
This Slow Cooker Mulled Cider is the easiest beverage to make for a crowd for your holiday celebrations. Simply combine apple cider, orange juice, and holiday spices, then let the slow cooker do the work. It’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter nights at home.
Nothing says “happy holidays” like a warm mug of Slow Cooker Mulled Cider. Filled with warm spices, fresh apple cider, and bright citrus, it’s a holiday staple that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Simply toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the magic happen. No fuss, just pure holiday bliss!
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My family has loved this cider my whole life. One of my favorite memories of having it is when we sipped on it as we picked out and cut down our Christmas tree. Adding toppings adds a fun spin for everyone too. Whipped cream, caramel, cookies…there are so many delicious options. It’s also excellent to have for parties as you can make it ahead of time, and it’ll make your house smell like the best holiday candle!
It’s truly the coziest holiday drink. You can keep it non-alcoholic or add some liquor options on the side for guests. Alternatively, If you’re looking for a crisp and cool beverage, our holiday Slush Punch will be right up your merry alley!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Super Easy: Just combine ingredients in the crock pot and let the magic happen. No stovetop simmering required.
- Filling and Cozy: Warm spices and fruity flavors make this drink perfect for chilly nights and holiday celebrations.
- Great for Entertaining: Make this mulled apple cider ahead and keep warm for serving at parties, family gatherings, or holiday get togethers. It’s a must for Thanksgiving, Christmas, leaf jumping, trick or treating, and tree-trimming!
- Festive Aroma: Your home will smell incredible as the spices simmer away, perfect for setting a cozy holiday mood.
Ingredients
Scroll Down to the Bottom of this Post for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card
- Apple Cider: The star of the show—provides a sweet, tart base.
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the spices.
- Brown Sugar: Melts into the cider, adding caramel sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Infuses the cider with the hallmark flavor of mulled drinks.
- Whole Cloves: Offer a spicy, slightly bitter note.
- Whole Allspice Berries: Imparts a warm, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Star Anise: Adds a subtly licorice-like aroma.
- Orange: Adds freshness and vibrant citrus flavor.
- Garnish options: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices, fresh whipped cream, or mug cookies.
Tools You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
- To a slow cooker, add apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise. Whisk until combined.
- Add orange slices on top. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, strain and remove the spices and orange slices. Stir well, then add fresh orange and/or apple slices if desired.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish as desired.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Adjust the Sweetness. Use more or less brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference. Honey or maple syrup can also be used in place of brown sugar.
- Spice Variations. Add sliced fresh ginger, cardamom, a splash of vanilla, or a pinch of nutmeg for different flavor options.
- Make It Spiked. For adults, you can add alcohol either in it or on the side. Bourbon, whiskey, brandy, vodka, red wine or spiced rum are popular requests. Serving it on the side would allow your guests to add their desired amount.
- Juice Options. You can use cranberry juice along with or instead of orange juice. If your store doesn’t have cider, you can also use apple juice as base. It will be less tangy, have a lighter, sweeter flavor, and may also lack some of the richness that unfiltered cider adds.
Serving and Storage
When serving, keep it in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours during your party.
Store leftover mulled cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
If you’d like to freeze it, simply strain any spices from the cider, pour in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on the stove on low heat to medium heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the spices before serving. Don’t bring it to a boil. This can strip away its flavors, cause spices to lose aroma, and burn on the bottom. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
The spice level is mild from the cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, but you can add more or less depending on your taste or add sliced ginger for extra spice.
Popular garnishes include orange slices, cinnamon sticks, mug cookies, apple slices, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Apple cider is usually unfiltered, cloudy, and has a richer, more tart flavor, often with pulp. Apple juice is filtered, clear, and sweeter with a more uniform taste.
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Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- 5 star anise
- 1 orange sliced
- Garnish options: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices, fresh whipped cream or mug cookies
Instructions
- To a slow cooker, add apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise. Whisk until combined.
- Add orange slices on top. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, strain and remove the spices and orange slices. Add fresh orange and/or apple slices if desired.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish as desired.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Adjust Sweetness. Use more or less brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference. Honey or maple syrup can also be used in place of brown sugar.
- Spice Variations. Add sliced fresh ginger, cardamom, a splash of vanilla, or a pinch of nutmeg for different flavor options.
- Make It Spiked. For adults, you can add alcohol either in it or on the side. Bourbon, whiskey, brandy, vodka, red wine or spiced rum are popular requests. Serving it on the side would allow your guests to add their desired amount.
- Juice Options. You can use cranberry juice along with or instead of orange juice. If your store doesn’t have cider, you can also use apple juice as base. It will be less tangy, have a lighter, sweeter flavor, and may also lack some of the richness that unfiltered cider adds.
Serving and Storage
When serving, keep it in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours during your party. Store leftover mulled cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. If you’d like to freeze it, simply strain any spices from the cider, pour in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to reheat.Nutrition
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
