Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider
This drink captures every single fall flavor you’re craving: warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and that perfect spiced kick, all in one incredibly easy recipe. This is absolutely foolproof. You literally dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away. Plus, the crockpot keeps it warm for hours, so everyone can serve themselves.
I make this for every October gathering: book club nights, football watch parties, Halloween get-togethers, even just cozy Sunday afternoons when friends drop by.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Use whole spices instead of ground (like for the cinnamon). Ground will make it taste grainy, so if you can’t find whole, it’s better to just leave it out.
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If you want a weaker drink, start with 1 cup of spiced rum and add more after cooking. Or make a family-friendly version by skipping the spiced rum and adding more apple cider or a little orange juice for extra flavor.
This will serve 8 people. If you want to double or triple the recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges (sliced thin)
- 2 apples (sliced into thin rounds horizontally)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional for garnish)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 whole star anise (or whole cloves)
- 1½ cups spiced rum (can use regular rum, bourbon, or whiskey. Add extra apple cider or a splash of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.)
- whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- caramel topping (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Try the cider when it’s halfway done. If it’s not sweet enough, add more brown sugar or honey to make it as sweet as you like.
Step One: Add All Ingredients: Put the cider, sugar, fruit, spices, and liquor in the slow cooker. Stir it all together and cover it.
Step Two: Cook On Low: Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
Step Three: Serve: Pour into a mug and add whipped cream and caramel. Serve warm.
Storage Instructions
You can store any leftovers in the fridge (I like to use a quart-sized mason jar). It will stay fresh for about 3 days.
Just reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little splash of rum (or not) before serving.
What to Serve with Spiked Apple Cider
This drink goes with all your classic fall foods.
- Make a charcuterie board with cinnamon sugar muffins, cheddar cheese, and crackers.
- Serve a slice of this sourdough pumpkin bread – it’s moist and sweet.
- If you really want to go all out, make this classic apple pie. OR just make this easy caramel apple cobbler.
Answering Your Questions
Absolutely. Just simmer on low for about 30 minutes.
No, you can absolutely make this without any liquor. It will still be delicious!
It really doesn’t matter. You’re starting with pre-made apple cider, so it’s no big deal.
More Apple Recipes
Fall means apples…and baking!
- I make these apple cider cookies every year.
- Try this sourdough apple cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Apple cider rum slushies are perfect for September when you want fall, but it’s still hot out.
- Make this apple cinnamon quick bread – it will quickly become your favorite!
Printable Recipe
Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges (sliced thin)
- 2 apples (sliced into thin rounds horizontally)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional for garnish)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 1½ cups spiced rum (or other liquor of your choice)
- whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- caramel topping (optional, for serving)
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Instructions
- Add ingredients. Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Then, add the thinly sliced oranges and apples. After that, add the cinnamon sticks and star anise into the mixture. Sprinkle in the brown sugar. Pour in the spiced rum or your preferred liquor. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook. Set the slow cooker to low heat. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to help the flavors blend.
- Serve. Pour the warm cider into mugs. If you like, you can add a bit of whipped cream and caramel on top. If you want, you can also add an extra cinnamon stick. Serve right away and enjoy the warmth.
Notes
Nutrition
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