If you’re looking for a cozy, fragrant drink to warm up chilly evenings, I absolutely adore sharing this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe with friends and family. It’s so comforting and easy to make, and I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this slow cooker magic every fall and winter. Imagine rich apple cider simmering all day with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and a touch of orange—pure liquid bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or entertain.
- Rich, Layered Flavors: The slow simmer melds spices and fresh citrus into the apple cider for a deep, warm taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Makes a whole gallon — great for sharing at parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite spices and add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a warming spiced drink. When I shop, I always look for fresh, unfiltered apple cider and organic spices if possible—they really make a difference.
- Apple cider or unfiltered apple juice: Fresh is best to preserve natural flavors and sweetness.
- Orange: Adds bright citrus notes and a bit of acidity to balance sweetness.
- Fresh ginger: Gives a gentle warming spice that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- Cinnamon sticks: Use whole sticks for slow infusion without overpowering.
- Whole cloves: Intense spice, so use sparingly and preferably in a sachet for easy removal.
- Orange slices (optional): Lovely as garnish for serving, also adds extra fragrance.
Variations
I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe is, and over time, I’ve played around with different tweaks to match the season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own!
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum: One of my favorite grown-up twists; the extra warmth and depth make it perfect for holiday parties.
- Spice blends: Experiment by adding star anise, cardamom pods, or nutmeg if you want a more complex flavor profile.
- Make it caffeine-free: I sometimes add a cinnamon stick or dried cranberries in place of cloves for a gentler spice punch for kids.
- Sweeten or reduce sugar: Depending on the apple cider’s sweetness and your preference, adjust or skip additional sweeteners.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by pouring your fresh apple cider into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Then slice your medium orange into quarter-inch rounds—don’t worry about peeling it; the zest adds wonderful flavor. Slice the fresh ginger crosswise into thin pieces, around 1/4-inch thick, so it infuses nicely without overpowering.
Step 2: Add Your Spices the Smart Way
Add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, but here’s a little trick I discovered: put the cloves in a tea ball or wrap them in cheesecloth tied with twine before dropping them into the slow cooker. It makes cleanup so much easier and prevents floating spice bits in your mugs!
Step 3: Let It Simmer and Smell the Magic
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the cider and spices mingle and simmer for about 4 hours. This slow infusion is where all the magic happens—the air will fill with wonderful aromas, making your whole kitchen feel like a cozy autumn retreat. If you notice any clumps floating around, just strain it before serving for a smoother sip.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your piping hot mulled cider into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices if you like. I find the little pop of citrus on top makes each cup look inviting and adds a fresh scent as you sip.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe
- Use a Slow Cooker with a Keep Warm Setting: This lets you hold the mulled cider at the perfect serving temperature without overcooking the spices.
- Make a Spice Sachet Ahead of Time: I usually prep this the night before so when I’m ready to start, it’s just toss and go.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering Time: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting; the longer it simmers (up to 4 hours), the richer the flavor.
- Strain Before Serving: Avoid unexpected bits of spice in your cup by straining—your guests will appreciate the smooth experience.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about keeping it simple but pretty—orange slices are my go-to garnish, sometimes paired with a cinnamon stick stirred right in the mug. It adds a little festive flair and a boost of aroma right as you dive in.
Side Dishes
This slow cooker mulled cider pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies, cinnamon rolls, or even a savory cheese platter. One fall evening, I served it alongside warm pork chops and roasted root veggies—my guests still talk about that cozy combo!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special holiday party, I love serving this in a clear glass beverage dispenser with a spigot, layered with floating orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful presentation. Adding star anise or cranberries on top takes it up another notch and sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover mulled cider (which happens when you host a crowd), just pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. I’ve found it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making great second-day sips just as cozy.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze mulled cider because the spices can lose their charm after thawing, but if you want to, freeze it without the orange slices and fresh ginger. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in your slow cooker’s warm setting to avoid boiling off those beautiful aromas. Give it a good stir halfway through and add fresh orange or a cinnamon stick if the flavors seem a bit muted.
FAQs
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Can I make Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can simmer the cider and spices on the stovetop in a large pot over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Just be sure to keep it at a gentle simmer so the flavors develop without boiling off the liquid.
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What’s the best apple cider to use for this recipe?
I recommend using fresh, unfiltered apple cider as it has a richer, more natural flavor than filtered juice. If unavailable, pure apple juice works too but might be a bit sweeter, so adjust your spices accordingly.
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How do I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, go easy on store-bought cider blends and choose unsweetened apple juice or dilute your cider with a splash of water. You can also skip adding extra sugar or sweeteners; the spices and citrus will balance the flavors plenty!
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Can I make this cider vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses only apple cider, fresh fruit, and spices. Just be sure to double-check your cider brand for any added honey or animal products.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe has become my go-to for chilly nights and holiday gatherings. It’s one of those effortless recipes that feels special and invites people to slow down, sip, and savor the season. I hope you find yourself reaching for this one just as often as I do—it’s like a warm hug in a mug. Give it a try, and let me know how your house smells afterward (hint: amazing!).
Print
Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 gallon (serves 16)
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Mulled Cider is a warm, aromatic fall and winter beverage made by simmering fresh apple cider with orange, ginger, cinnamon, and whole cloves. This fragrant drink is perfect for gatherings and holidays, offering cozy flavors with minimal effort using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Mulled Cider Ingredients
- 1 gallon fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
- 1 medium orange
- 1 (1 1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger
- 5 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- Orange slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cider base: Pour 1 gallon of fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker, which will serve as the base for your mulled cider.
- Slice orange and ginger: Cut the medium orange into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and slice the 1 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, then add both to the slow cooker to infuse flavor.
- Add spices: Place 5 cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves into the slow cooker. For easier removal later, put the cloves and spices into a tea ball or wrap them in a double layer of cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter, tying it closed to form a sachet.
- Simmer the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. This slow simmer extracts the warmth and spice flavors without boiling off the delicate aromatics.
- Strain and serve: If desired, strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any clumps of spices or fruit pieces. Keep the cider warm in the slow cooker, then serve in mugs garnished with additional orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- The slow cooker gently simmers apple cider with warm spices and citrus for an easy and flavorful mulled drink perfect for chilly days.
- Using a spice sachet or tea ball makes removing the cloves and cinnamon sticks easier after cooking.
- You can adjust the spice quantities to your preference or add other spices like star anise or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Keep the mulled cider warm in the slow cooker to enjoy throughout a party or gathering without reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 24.8 g
- Sodium: 11.2 mg
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.2 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
