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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider That Steals the Show

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This cozy slow cooker apple cider is the perfect warm drink for gatherings. Made with apples, oranges, and warm spices, it fills your home with the aroma of autumn and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 medium apples (mixed varieties, such as 3 Honeycrisp, 2 Granny Smith, 2 Fuji)
  • 2 medium oranges, washed and sliced into rounds
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 8 cups water
  • Optional garnishes: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Wash all apples and oranges thoroughly. Core the apples and cut into quarters. Slice oranges into ¼-inch thick rounds. Peel ginger and cut into thin coins.
  2. Place apple quarters and orange slices in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Tuck ginger coins in between.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods.
  4. Drizzle maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar over the fruit.
  5. Slowly pour 8 cups of water over everything, ensuring fruit is mostly submerged. Add more water if needed.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until apples are very soft and liquid is deep amber.
  7. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher or bowl. Carefully pour cider through, pressing on fruit to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. For more spice, add another cinnamon stick and steep for 10 minutes.
  9. Serve warm in mugs or a serving carafe. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise if desired.

Notes

For a clearer cider, strain twice—first through a fine-mesh strainer, then through cheesecloth. Toast spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding for more intense flavor. Keep warm on the ‘warm’ setting for serving. Leftover cider keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, warm apple cider, fall drink, holiday drink, apple cider recipe, crockpot cider

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