Spiked Slow Cooker Apple Cider

slow cooker with cider, spices, and oranges.

A warm and spiced fall drink, with a kick. This crockpot drink makes the whole house smell amazing and is just about the coziest thing ever.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider with alcohol, Fall, hot spiced cider

Servings: people

Calories: 183kcal

Author: Katie

Equipment

Slow cooker

Ingredients

½ gallon apple cider
2 oranges (sliced thin)
2 apples (sliced into thin rounds horizonally)
2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional for garnish)
⅓ cup brown sugar
4 star anise
1½ cups spiced rum (or other liquor of your choice)
whipped cream (optional, for serving)
caramel topping (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. 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

Remember to use whole spices because ground cinnamon can make your drink gritty. If you can't find whole spices, it's better to leave it out.

To create a pretty star pattern in the apples, slice them through their "equator."

You can use any type of alcohol, such as bourbon or apple brandy.

Thin slices of apple and orange will float in the crockpot, which looks nice.

Finally, garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick and a slice of apple or orange for a festive touch that makes the drink look as good as it tastes.

Nutrition