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Light & Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider

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A light, naturally sweetened slow cooker spiced apple cider that fills your home with cozy autumn aromas. Made with whole spices and fresh fruit, this easy recipe is perfect for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 oz) apple cider
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 1 large apple, sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Remove any seeds from the apple slices.
  2. Bundle the spices: Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and allspice berries in a piece of cheesecloth. Tie securely with kitchen twine.
  3. Combine everything: Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add the sliced orange, sliced apple, and the spice bundle. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cider, then toss the pod in too. If using vanilla extract, wait until after cooking to add it.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
  5. Check sweetness: After 2 hours, taste the cider. If it needs more sweetness, stir in the maple syrup or honey.
  6. Remove the solids: Carefully remove the spice bundle and discard it. Use a slotted spoon to remove the orange and apple slices. For a perfectly clear cider, strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
  7. Stir in vanilla: If using vanilla extract, add it now and stir well.
  8. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast whole spices in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds before adding to deepen flavor. Don’t boil the cider as it can become bitter. Remove spice bundle after 2-3 hours to prevent over-extraction. The cider tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the fridge. For a spiked version, add bourbon, dark rum, or apple brandy to each mug.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker spiced apple cider, apple cider, spiced cider, fall drink, autumn beverage, slow cooker drink, warm cider, homemade cider

Find it online: https://milacook.com/light-and-cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider/