Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider

5 from 8 votes
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Posted: 10/19/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Hot apple cider is a staple drink when the temperatures get chilly. The way the warm and cozy smell fills your home will make you crave this cozy drink. Infused with fragrant oranges, cloves, warm cinnamon, star anise, and a kick of brandy, this crockpot spiced apple cider recipe is hot and so delicious.

mug of spiced apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise. Crockpot sitting in background

Making spiced crockpot apple cider couldn’t be easier. Make a batch ahead of time in your slow cooker and infuse it with spices for the ultimate hot drink. Add brandy or cinnamon whiskey to compliment the tart apple flavor of the cider and this crockpot spiked apple cider recipe is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider. An unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples that is a fall staple. Use a good quality apple cider.
  • Whole Spices. Using whole spices instead of ground is the key to infusing the best flavor from the spices.
  • Oranges. They add citrus zest and a way to prevent the cloves from floating in the cider.
  • Brandy. See below for other liquor options.

overhead of crockpot spiced apple cider with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider in The Crockpot

Making spiked apple cider in the crockpot is so easy and will make your house smell amazing. Here is a brief overview of how to do it. For the full measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Slice the oranges. Make small holes in the rinds with a knife and insert the cloves in them so they don’t float in the cider. See the photo below.
  2. Combine ingredients. Add the cider, oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods(optional), and cloves to the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low. Here is where the magic scent fills your whole kitchen.
  4. Add the booze. Just before serving, add your brandy to the crockpot and stir. See below for other liquor options.
sliced oranges with cloves in rind to make spiced apple cider in crock pot

Variations

Switch up your liquor by using Fireball whiskey for an extra cinnamon kick or apple brandy for a sweeter flavor instead of regular brandy.

 

Add your liquor directly to the crockpot just prior to serving or add it to each glass or mug individually to serve both both kids and adults at the same time.

How to Serve

Serve your spiced apple cider in mugs while it is warm. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks and star anise if desired.

Once the cider is done cooking, turn your crockpot to the “keep warm” setting to keep warm for up to two hours. When reheating, place desired amount in a small saucepan on low heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe mug.

two mugs of spiced apple cider garnished with star anise and cinnamon sticks, bottle of fireball whiskey and crockpot sit in background

Other Cold Weather Cocktails

There is something special about cozy cocktails when it’s cold outside. Curl up by the fireplace or enjoy the warmth of good company with these delightful indulgences.

mug of spiced apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise
5 from 8 votes

Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider

Serves: 18 drinks
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 10 minutes
Crockpot spiced apple cider is infused with fragrant oranges, cloves, warm cinnamon, star anise, and a kick of brandy, This cozy recipe is so delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 2 oranges sliced
  • 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise pods optional
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 2 cups brandy or apple brandy, fireball whiskey

Instructions

  • Slice the oranges.
  • Make small holes in the rinds with a knife and insert the cloves in them so they don't float in the cider.
  • In a 6 quart slow cooker combine the cider, oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods (optional), and cloves.
  • Cook on low for four hours.
  • Just before serving add the alcohol.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
mug of spiced apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise

Did You Make This

Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

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5 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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