Cozy, spiced, and naturally sweet—this is the perfect fall drink to warm you up from the inside out.
As soon as the leaves start changing and that crisp fall air rolls in, I’m all about cozy vibes—and nothing screams fall quite like a big mug of slow cooker apple cider. I mean, why buy the super sugary store-bought stuff when you can make your own crockpot apple cider that tastes like autumn in a cup? It’s ridiculously easy, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping on a chilly day or impressing guests at your next holiday get-together (even if you’re just in it for the snacks).
Why Make Apple Cider in a Slow Cooker?
You might be wondering—why use a slow cooker to make apple cider? The slow cooking process allows the flavors of fresh apples, citrus, and warm spices to blend beautifully, resulting in a deeper, richer taste than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
Plus, it’s a no-fuss recipe: toss everything into your crockpot, set it, forget it, and come home to a house that smells like fall.
Of course another great reason for making your own apple cider is the health benefits!
Health Benefits of Homemade Apple Cider
Unlike most store-bought options, this natural apple cider is free from refined sugars and preservatives. When made with fresh apples and warming spices, it’s not just a treat—it’s a nourishing drink:
- Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon and cloves offer anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate blood sugar.
- Maple syrup or honey sweetens the cider naturally without processed sugar.
This is a drink that tastes good and makes you feel good—perfect for wellness lovers and comfort seekers alike.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Making this easy apple cider recipe couldn’t be simpler:
- Chop your apples and an orange—no need to peel.
- Add to your slow cooker along with:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Nutmeg
- Pour in water to cover the fruit.
- Add maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract.
- Slow cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
After cooking, mash the fruit to extract more flavor, then strain the cider. What’s left is a beautifully spiced, hot apple cider that tastes like autumn in a mug.
Tips & Variations for Perfect Crockpot Apple Cider
1. Mix Up the Apples: Use a variety like honey crisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji to get the perfect sweet-tart balance.
2. Add Citrus and Spice: An orange adds brightness. Spice it up with star anise, ginger, or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: Sweeten naturally with maple syrup, honey, or stevia. Start with less—then add more to taste after straining.
4. Serve It Hot or Cold: While warm cider is perfect for chilly evenings, don’t hesitate to serve it over ice for a refreshing fall drink during the day.
5. Make It Boozy: For a festive twist, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or whiskey to turn this into an adult apple cider cocktail.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Can I make apple cider ahead of time?
Yes! This cider stores well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in your slow cooker.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the cider cool, pour it into an airtight container or glass jar, and refrigerate for up to a week. Shake or stir before reheating.
Can I use apple juice instead of fresh apples?
You can, but using whole apples gives a more complex and fresh flavor. If using juice, make sure it’s unsweetened and 100% juice, and add extra spices for depth.
Is this slow cooker apple cider kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweetness and warmth. Just make sure to cool it slightly before serving to little ones.
How many apples do I need to make a gallon of cider?
Roughly 16–20 pounds of apples are needed to make a gallon. Juicier apple varieties will yield more liquid.
What’s better for cooking: apples, apple juice, or cider?
For this recipe, whole apples deliver the best results. Apple cider adds earthy depth to soups or sauces, while juice is better for quick drinks.
How can I make cheap cider taste better?
Add spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), a slice of citrus, or even a splash of vanilla or bourbon to elevate budget-friendly cider.
Other Festive Drinks
If you’re in love with this apple cider recipe, you might also enjoy other festive beverages like:
- Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte: Indulge in the flavors of fall without the guilt with our Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte. This version features real pumpkin puree and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all while cutting back on sugar. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your PSL cravings in a healthier manner.
- Cinnamon Rice Milk: Warm, creamy, and naturally sweet, our Cinnamon Rice Milk is a dairy-free alternative that’s perfect for the holiday season. Infused with cinnamon sticks and sweetened with a touch of honey, it’s both comforting and nourishing.
- Reishi Mushroom Chai Tea: For those who love chai but are looking for an extra wellness boost, look no further than our Reishi Mushroom Chai Tea. This earthy, spiced beverage combines the traditional flavors of chai with the immune-boosting benefits of reishi mushrooms, offering a delightful and healthy treat.
- Classic Hot Chocolate Recipe: Sometimes, only a Classic Hot Chocolate will do to chase away the winter chill. Made with high-quality cocoa and a hint of vanilla, this timeless recipe brings you the creamy, rich chocolate experience you’ve loved since childhood.
- Slow Cooker Chai Tea: Simplify your chai-making process with our Slow Cooker Chai Tea. By letting the spices and tea leaves steep slowly in the slow cooker, you’ll extract maximum flavor and richness. This is the perfect drink to have simmering for holiday gatherings.
- Crock Pot Gingerbread Latte: Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of gingerbread; that’s exactly what you get with our Crock Pot Gingerbread Latte. With flavors of ginger, molasses, and a hint of coffee, this latte encapsulates the cozy essence of the holidays, all while freeing you up to enjoy time with family and friends.
Your Go-To Fall Drink
If you’re on the hunt for the best slow cooker apple cider to sip all season long, look no further—this one’s a total winner. Whether you’re bundled up on the couch, playing host for Thanksgiving, or just trying to thaw out after trick-or-treating, this cozy cider is the ultimate fall drink.
So go grab some apples, fire up that crockpot, and let your kitchen smell like autumn exploded—in the best way. 🍎🍂
Love it? Share it with your people and don’t forget to tag us when you make it. I wanna see your fall vibes in action!
The Best Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 apples medium, a mix of Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith works well
- 1 orange thinly, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 cups water
- Optional: allspice, ginger, star anise to taste
- Optional: orange slices or apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Wash all the apples and orange thoroughly. Core the apples and cut them into quarters. You can leave the skin on for added flavor.
- Place the chopped apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg into your slow cooker.
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and water over the fruits and spices. This is where you can add any additional optional ingredients, as well.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- After 3 hours, taste the cider. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let it continue to cook for another hour. You can also add honey, sugar, or stevia if you'd like it to be sweeter.
- Once the cooking is complete, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the solids, pressing down to extract all the juices.
- Pour the cider into mugs and serve warm. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, or an orange or apple slice if desired.
Nutrition Information
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More Apple Recipes to Celebrate Autumn
You can enjoy apples any time of year, but there’s something magical about fall apple recipes! Here are some of my other ways to enjoy apples during this cozy season:
- Pumpkin Raisin Oatmeal Baked Apple
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Healthy Oven Baked Apple Pork Chops
- Clean-Eating Apple Pecan Crumble
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