Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Apple Cider is a cozy, fragrant drink perfect for crisp fall days or any time you want to fill your home with the scent of autumn. This easy slow cooker recipe combines fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness for a comforting treat that’s better than store-bought.

Ingredients

• 4 red sweet apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 4 green tart apples (like Granny Smith)
• 1 orange (unpeeled)
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 10 cups water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (add to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the apples and orange. Core the apples but leave the skins on, then slice each apple into 8 wedges. Slice the orange into thin 0.5cm rounds with the skin on.
2. Step 2: Add the apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg to the crockpot. Pour in 10 cups of water.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours to extract all the flavors.
4. Step 4: Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit inside the crockpot. This helps release more juice and flavor.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids.
6. Step 6: While still warm, stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar. Adjust sweetness to your liking.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t peel the fruit; the skins add extra flavor and color.
• Use a balance of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
• Add fresh ginger slices or star anise for a spicier twist.
• Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
• For a boozy touch, stir in a splash of spiced rum or bourbon after straining.
• Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to keep the cider smooth and free of pulp.

Storage

Let the cider cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker. You can also freeze the cider in portions for up to 2 months—just leave room for expansion in the container.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer the ingredients gently on the stove, covered, for 2–3 hours instead of using a crockpot.

Do I really need to strain it?

Straining the cider is recommended to remove pulp and spice bits, resulting in a smooth, drinkable cider.

Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

This Crockpot Apple Cider recipe is a cozy, hands-off slow cooker drink that fills your home with the warm aroma of fall. Made with a mix of sweet and tart apples, orange slices, and whole spices simmered slowly, it produces a naturally flavorful, smooth cider sweetened to your taste. Perfect for chilly evenings and autumn gatherings, this easy recipe makes a delicious, fragrant, and comforting beverage whether served warm or cooled.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH) or 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (LOW)
• Yield: Approximately 10 cups (serves about 6–8) 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Fruits

• 4 red sweet apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 4 green tart apples (like Granny Smith)
• 1 orange (unpeeled)

Spices

• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Liquids and Sweetener

• 10 cups water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (add to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep the Fruit: Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Core the apples but leave their skins on for extra flavor. Slice each apple into 8 wedges. Slice the unpeeled orange into thin 0.5 cm rounds.
2. Add Everything to Crockpot: Place the sliced apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and ground nutmeg into the slow cooker. Pour in 10 cups of water.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours to slowly extract all the flavors.
4. Mash the Fruit: After cooking, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit inside the crockpot to release more juice and flavor.
5. Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher, discarding all fruit solids and spices to obtain a smooth cider.
6. Sweeten: While the cider is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more if desired.

Notes

• Don’t peel the apples or orange; their skins add great flavor and color.
• Use a balance of sweet red and tart green apples for the best flavor.
• Add brown sugar at the end to avoid over-sweetening during cooking.
• Mash the fruit gently to maximize juice extraction before straining.
• Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to keep the cider smooth and free of pulp.
• Can be made on stovetop by simmering gently for 2–3 hours covered.
• Store leftover cider in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Add fresh ginger slices or star anise for a spicier version.
• Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon after straining for an adult version.

Keywords: apple cider, crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, fall drink, warm apple cider, homemade apple cider, fall beverage, slow cooker beverage