Crockpot Apple Cider
A cozy and flavorful homemade spiced apple cider, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 8-10 medium fresh apples (mix of sweet and tart, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and quartered
- 2 medium oranges, sliced (peel on, seeds removed if visible)
- 1/2 cup cranberries (optional) Add for additional flavor
Spices
- 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 5-6 whole allspice berries (optional)
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger) Use fresh for better flavor
- 1-2 pieces star anise (optional)
Sweetener
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or maple syrup or honey, to taste) Adjust based on sweetness preference
Liquid
- 10 cups water (about 2.4 liters, enough to cover fruit)
Optional Flavoring
- 1 split vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add for a unique twist
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash apples and oranges thoroughly. Core and quarter apples (no need to peel). Slice oranges into rounds, removing seeds if needed. Slice ginger if using fresh.
- Place apple quarters and orange slices into the crockpot. Add cranberries if using.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, ginger, and star anise.
- Pour in 10 cups of water, enough to cover the fruit but not exceed the crockpot's max fill line.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, until apples are soft and flavors are well blended.
- Use a potato masher or sturdy spoon to gently mash the fruit to release more flavor.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher to remove solids and spices.
Serving
- Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to taste (start with 1/4 cup and add more if desired). If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
- Serve hot in mugs, garnished with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries. Keep crockpot on ‘warm’ for parties.
Notes
To store leftovers, let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Reheat gently before serving. Can freeze for up to three months.