Cozy Spiced Cider

A Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Cider is the perfect fall beverage. It’s warming and full of all the best fall spices with a hint of orange. 

Slow Cooker Spiced Cider is one of my favorite fall traditions. We serve it on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. While we put up the Christmas lights, on snow days, on ice skating days.

Anytime you want a warm cozy beverage at the ready this Slow Cooker Spiced Cider is perfect.

A lot of spiced cider recipes will use all spice berries and whole cloves in addition to the cinnamon sticks and star anise. I have found this simplified recipe to be much better for a diverse crowd. 

Kids love it and adults enjoy it as is or with a healthy splash of bourbon. 

If you prefer more spice in your spiced you can add slices of fresh ginger, whole cloves, or even peppercorns. 

Ingredients

Apple Cider – For this recipe we need fresh apple cider. It shouldn’t have added sugars, spices, or alcohol in it. Local unpasteurized apple ciders will give you the best depth of flavor but we have trouble finding those most of the year and will use Simply Apple Juice or Trader Joe’s Raw Cider. 

Cinnamon Sticks – For Slow Cooker Spiced Cider you need whole spices and whole cinnamon sticks look great while infusing your cider with a traditional fall flavor.

Star Anise – Warm, spicy, and sweet star anise adds a beautiful depth of flavor and aroma to your Slow Cooker Spiced Cider. It’s star shape is also beautiful floating at the top.

Orange – Adding orange slices makes for a beautiful festive Slow Cooker Spiced Cider. The oils from the orange peel also release a beautiful fragrance that reality compliments the cinnamon and star anise. It also goes especially well with the bourbon.

Bourbon – Optional for some, required for others. We prefer a Bulliet Rye Whiskey.

How to make a slow cooker spiced cider

Gently stir the spiced cider mixture and cover. 

Cook on low for 6 hours or high for four hours. If cooking on high switch to low once ready to serve. 

Mix gently before serving and garnish with remaining orange slices. 

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated before serving.

Tips and FAQs

Is spiced cider alcoholic?

Spiced cider can have alcohol but it depends on your preferences and that of your guests. We normally prepare it without alcohol but have some bourbon nearby so guests can spike it as they like.

How long can I keep leftover cider?

Slow cooker spiced cider can be stored in a refrigerator for up to three days, though it’s a rare occasion in our home.

What does spiced apple cider taste like?

A spiced baked apple flavor like a slice of warm apple crisp or fresh apple pie. It’s neither tart or overly sweet with a delicious cinnamon-y aroma and hints of orange

Why do I use whole spices?

Ground spices will separate which will give you a gritty texture and uneven flavoring.

Other fall favorites!

If pumpkin is more your thing, check out these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting or maybe try a loaf of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.
If you’re trying to warm up from a cool fall day a bowl of Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Bisque is just what you need.