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
Scale
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