Here is my favorite spiced apple cider recipe, made right in your crockpot with fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of orange for a warm, cozy drink.
This apple cider is what I make every fall when the weather starts to cool down. I love having it simmer all day so the whole house smells amazing. Plus, you can just ladle out a mug whenever you want one, right?
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider
- Perfect for gatherings – This makes a full gallon, so you can easily serve a crowd at holiday parties, game days, or cozy get-togethers without constantly refilling.
- Hands-off preparation – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer away while you focus on other things. Your house will smell amazing while it cooks.
- Customizable for everyone – You can make it family-friendly by skipping the alcohol, or add brandy or whiskey for an adult version that warms you from the inside out.
- Simple ingredients – With just apple cider, citrus, and a few warm spices, you probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
Ingredient Swaps
- Apple cider: Make sure to use apple cider, not apple juice – they’re different! Cider is unfiltered and has a richer, more complex flavor that’s essential for this recipe. If you can only find apple juice, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Oranges: No oranges? Try using tangerines, clementines, or even a lemon for a different citrus note. You can also use dried orange slices if that’s what you have.
- Whole cloves: If you only have ground cloves, use about 1 teaspoon instead of the tablespoon of whole cloves. Keep in mind that ground spices will make your cider a bit cloudier, but the taste will still be great.
- Star anise: Star anise adds a nice licorice-like flavor, but it’s totally optional. If you skip it, the cider will still taste wonderful with the other spices.
- Brandy: Want to keep it alcohol-free? Simply leave out the brandy – the cider is delicious on its own. For a non-alcoholic alternative with similar warmth, add an extra cinnamon stick and a tablespoon of vanilla extract.
- Cinnamon sticks: While whole cinnamon sticks work best for slow cooking, you can use 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon if needed. Just add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent bitterness.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot Or on The Stovetop?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for both the Instant Pot and the stovetop.
For the Instant Pot, combine all ingredients in the pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.
For the stovetop, combine ingredients in a large pot and simmer over medium heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
In both cases, add the brandy just before serving. Keep in mind that the cooking time and intensity of flavors may vary slightly compared to the slow cooker method.
Storing Instructions
Store: Let your spiced apple cider cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher or airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 5-7 days.
Reheat: Just pour the amount you want back into a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, or microwave individual mugs for about 1-2 minutes.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 240 minutes |
| Total Time | 250-255 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2650-2850
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 1-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 330-370 g
Ingredients
For the cider:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges, sliced with whole cloves pressed into the peels
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise pods (optional)
For serving:
- 2 cups brandy (substitute apple brandy or fireball whiskey)
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges with Cloves
- 2 oranges, sliced with whole cloves pressed into the peels
Slice the oranges and make small holes in the rinds using a knife.
Press the whole cloves firmly into the peels so the cloves are secured and won’t float freely in the cider.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges, sliced with whole cloves pressed into the peels (from Step 1)
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise pods (optional)
In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the apple cider, sliced oranges with studded cloves from Step 1, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods if using.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Cider
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cider to become fragrant.
I like to check on the cider after a couple of hours and give it a quick stir to make sure the spices are infusing well.
Step 4: Add the Brandy
- 2 cups brandy (substitute apple brandy or fireball whiskey)
Just before serving, stir in the brandy.
You can substitute apple brandy or cinnamon whiskey like Fireball, depending on your flavor preference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot spiced cider in mugs, making sure each serving gets some of the aromatic fruits and spices from the slow cooker.
Enjoy your cozy beverage!
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently—the flavors deepen overnight.
Winter Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
For the cider:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges, sliced with whole cloves pressed into the peels
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise pods (optional)
For serving:
- 2 cups brandy (substitute apple brandy or fireball whiskey)
Instructions
- Slice the oranges and make small holes in the rinds using a knife. Press the whole cloves firmly into the peels so the cloves are secured and won’t float freely in the cider.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the apple cider, sliced oranges with studded cloves from Step 1, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods if using. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cider to become fragrant. I like to check on the cider after a couple of hours and give it a quick stir to make sure the spices are infusing well.
- Just before serving, stir in the brandy. You can substitute apple brandy or cinnamon whiskey like Fireball, depending on your flavor preference.
- Serve the hot spiced cider in mugs, making sure each serving gets some of the aromatic fruits and spices from the slow cooker. Enjoy your cozy beverage! If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat gently—the flavors deepen overnight.
