This slow cooker apple cinnamon cider recipe is easy to make from scratch and infused with maple syrup and cinnamon. Likewise, there's a hint of sweet orange that gives it a refreshing but comforting flavor.
A delicious and healthy drink recipe perfect to cozy up with on a fall day.
There's no apple juice or store-bought apple cider used in this recipe! Which makes it the perfect way to use up extra apples from picking.
This slow cooker apple cider is made from entirely scratch and comes with a zesty orange flavor. It's sweetened with only maple syrup and cinnamon sticks which makes it the perfect fall comfort.
It tastes great on its own out of the slow cooker or lightly spiked with fireball for an afternoon warm-up.
Plus, being made in the slow cooker means that you can set it and forget it, is there anything better?
Learn more about slow cookers and choosing the best one for your family (and how to use it!).
Why You'll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cider
I think it's kind of obvious that warm drinks go hand in hand once the weather gets a bit more chilly (like loose leaf tea and its benefits),
Hence, this mulled cider fits right in because:
- It's made from scratch (no unsweetened apple juice!)
- The easy hot apple cider contains minimal ingredients
- Everything is made in just a slow cooker
- It's a great way to use up extra apples
- Maple cinnamon flavor with a citrus twist
Ingredients You Need
Fresh apples - peel and slice your apples to make sure that they infuse perfectly into the mulled cider.
Orange - you need the orange itself as well as the zest from the skin to maximize flavor.
Cinnamon sticks - I like to break mine into pieces so that the flavor comes out more but you don't need to. If you love the apple cinnamon flavor you'll also love this apple cinnamon overnight oats recipe.
Maple syrup - don't overlook using real maple syrup as it'll give all the sweetness without the corn-syrup taste. Dark grade maple syrup is best, trust me.
Filtered water - tap water tends to leave an aftertaste so if possible use filtered water. Personally, I have a Berkey water filter and could never go back.
Slow cooker - let's face it, slow cookers just make life more simple. Opt for a larger slow cooker so that you can make enough mulled cider to have leftovers.
What Kind Of Apples Are Best?
This is the best part of the slow cooker apple cinnamon cider recipe- there's no "perfect apple"
! In other words, you can make this crockpot cider recipe with any apples you happen to pick this season.
Our personal favorites are gala and fuji apples but all apples work!
That said, the apples you choose will make a difference to the flavor of the slow cooker apple cider. Apple For That has a great breakdown of which apples to use for what!
With this in mind, remember that the sweeter the apple, the sweeter the cider.
Apples like granny smith will make the cider a bit tangier. Meanwhile, MacIntosh apples will have a sweeter taste.
More often than not we use a blend of apples that we have on hand. Namely, apple leftover from apple picking (here's what you can do with extra apples!)
How To Make It
Peel and roughly chop the apples.
Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and mix well.
Cook for 8-10 hours on low before straining out the ingredients.
Enjoy and store the leftovers in a mason jar for later.
Expert Teaching Tips
The apples you choose will affect the flavor of the hot apple cider.
The mulled cider can be cooked in the slow cooker for longer than eight hours if needed. Likewise you can simply let it turn to warm and keep simmering.
Cook the hot apple cider for four hours on high if you need it cooked sooner.
Store the slow cooker apple cider in mason jars in the fridge for up to a week. Either enjoy it cold or warm up on the stove. The flavor is more prominent when it's warm.
The cider is not overly sweet. If you prefer a sweet cider recipe, add more maple syrup to the slow cooker or just your glass individually.
Variations
Spiced apple cider - adding in extra cloves, ginger, or cardamom gives much more of a warm flavor.
Spiked apple cider - hot apple cider pairs well with Fireball whisky, spiced rum, and bourbon. You can brew the alcohol directly int the cider or spike individual glasses.
Choosing A Slow Cooker
To make hot apple cider you want a larger and programmable slow cooker.
This way you have enough room in the slow cooker to brew a big batch and have leftovers.
Likewise, having a slow cooker that automatically switches to a warm setting means you don't have to constantly "keep and eye" on it.
Last year I invested in a 7-quart slow cooker and have never looked back. If you have a family of four or more it's the best way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, Fireball whiskey, spiced rum, and bourbon taste the best when added to mulled cider. Spiced rum especially gives it a caramel-like flavor.
If you're short on time using a pre-made, chilled apple cider is a great way to skip the duration of cooking. Heat the apple cider in the slow cooker or on the stove, add your seasonings, and infuse. Apple juice can be used but doesn't have as potent a flavor.
Other Fall Inspired Recipes
Keep the fall theme strong by whipping up some other fall-favorite recipes! In case you need some inspiration, below are a few of our favorites.
- Slow cooker pumpkin spice latte
- High protein pumpkin bread
- Maple pecan oatmeal
- Dairy-free maple latte
Homemade Hot Apple Cider
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 apples roughly peeled and sliced
- ½ large orange peeled
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 7.5 liters filtered water
Instructions
- If you haven't already, peel the apples and roughly chop.
- Add all ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Let cool slightly and strain out the ingredients with a small mesh strainer.
- Store the apple cider the fridge in airtight jars and heat to enjoy.
Notes
- The apples you choose will affect the flavor of the hot apple cider.
- The mulled cider can be cooked in the slow cooker for longer than eight hours if needed. Likewise you can simply let it turn to warm and keep simmering.
- Cook the apple cider for four hours on high if you need it cooked sooner.
- Store the slow cooker apple cider in mason jars in the fridge for up to a week. Either enjoy it cold or warm up on the stove.
- The cider is not overly sweet. If you prefer a sweet cider recipe, add more maple syrup to the slow cooker or just your glass individually.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
This homemade, hot apple cider is simple to make (just place all the ingredients in one pot!) and kid-approved.
As a result, it's a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Plus, the orange flavor with cinnamon sticks is a combination that comes out refreshing and will keep you pouring another glass!
Nancy says
The combination of apple and cinnamon is a classic for a reason, and this recipe didn't disappoint. It's the perfect drink to warm up on a chilly evening.
fitasamamabear says
Yes! Great for cool afternoons.
James says
My kids love hot apple cider. I've made this several times already. Quick, easy, and delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Such a great one for kids!
Katie says
Just tried this. So easy, made my home smell amazing. Love the touch of orange.
fitasamamabear says
Ah yes! I love how the house smells with it simmering.
Tammy says
I've always wanted to try making apple cider at home instead of using the pre-packaged stuff. This is SO MUCH BETTER! Thanks for the recipe.
fitasamamabear says
Yay!! And so stinking easy.
Liza says
This was my first time making (or drinking) homemade apple cider. We were gifted a big bag of apples from a friend and decided to give this a try. Wow! So much better than store-bought stuff. The mix of spices with fresh apple flavor makes it extra cozy and delish.
fitasamamabear says
It's such a great way to use them up!
Melissa says
I could not believe how delicious this was! I was kind of nervous because I thought it might not taste like authentic cider but I was wrong. I used a few different types of Michigan apples and it turned out perfect. Will be making this all fall and winter long!
fitasamamabear says
So happy you enjoyed it!
linda spiker says
What a fun fall drink! I cans ee why your daughter loves it!
fitasamamabear says
And with the ingredients I don't mind giving it to her 😀
Daniela says
This sounds delicious! What a perfect fall drink! Cinnamon everything!
fitasamamabear says
Thank you! Even the hubby liked it so win haha
Lindsey Dietz says
I love the addition of the orange! This recipe is so yummy and EASY!
fitasamamabear says
It's a nice twist on it!
Annmarie says
Yesss. This looks delicious and is making me super excited for FALL!
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Even my hubby liked it! And he gets pretty skeptical on anything homemade haha