Description
A cozy, set-and-forget slow cooker recipe for spiced caramel apple cider. This drink combines fresh apple cider with brown sugar, orange, and warming spices for a rich, comforting beverage perfect for autumn.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) 100% unfiltered apple cider
- 1/2 cup (100g) dark brown sugar
- 2 medium oranges (zested and juiced)
- 3–4 large cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg (freshly grated) or 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 apple (optional, sliced for garnish and infusion)
Instructions
- Wash oranges and apples thoroughly. Slice oranges into thick rounds (about 1/2 inch) and slice apple if using.
- Zest the oranges using a microplane, avoiding the white pith. Set zest aside.
- Pour apple cider into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add brown sugar, orange slices, apple slices (if using), cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg to the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to help dissolve the sugar.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Do not cook on HIGH.
- About 30 minutes before serving, squeeze the orange juice into the pot and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Turn off the slow cooker and strain out the spices and fruit slices using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Do not boil the cider; low and slow infusion preserves fresh apple flavor. Ensure spices are fresh for best taste. Strain thoroughly to avoid choking hazards from whole spices. Can be kept warm on the ‘Warm’ setting for parties. For adults, add bourbon or rum. Can be made in a pressure cooker using Sauté then High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: fall recipe, slow cooker cider, spiced apple cider, caramel apple cider, autumn drinks, cozy beverages, gluten-free, vegan