Crock pot mulled cider is the perfect hot beverage for your next holiday gathering. Apple cider is warmed in the slow cooker with orange slices and a variety of spices - guests of all ages will enjoy it.
Making your mulled cider in the slow cooker is a great way to free up space on the stove top and stays warm for hours. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice) is heated with spices and citrus to make this warm, comforting beverage. Kids and adults alike will enjoy it - this recipe is non-alcoholic!
Looking for a fall themed adult beverage? Try my recipe for slow cooker mulled wine or apple pie cocktail.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Apple cider - Can be substituted with apple juice if you can't find apple cider. Apple cider, or cloudy apple juice, is a beverage in the US that's made with apples. It's not alcoholic or carbonated and is basically an unfiltered apple juice.
- Brown sugar - Can be substituted with granulated sugar, maple syrup, or honey. If using maple syrup or honey, add half the amount. If you'd prefer, you can omit the sugar entirely for a less sweet apple cider.
- Spices - I add cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, and whole cloves to my mulled cider. Star anise can be omitted if you can't find it (I buy mine online: Rani Star Anise Seeds, Whole Pods).
- Orange slices - Add a hint of citrus flavor to the cider.
Tips and tricks
- Use low heat - For best results, heat your cider using the low setting on your slow cooker, or medium-low heat on the stove top. Keep your cider covered to prevent evaporation.
- Use cheesecloth - For easy spice removal, wrap spices in cheesecloth and tie shut before adding to the cider. Fish out the spice packet just before serving.
- Fill your slow cooker ½ to ¾ full - Slow cookers work best when they're filled about ½ to ¾ full. Keep this in mind when choosing your slow cooker. As written, this recipe fits perfectly in a 3 quart slow cooker.
Frequently asked questions
For this recipe, you're mulling 64 ounces of apple cider, which is 2 quarts. I'd recommend a 3 quart slow cooker. If doubling this recipe, I'd recommend a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker. Use a slow cooker with slightly more space than the amount of liquid you're adding. Slow cookers work best when they're about ½ to ¾ full.
Yes! Add the ingredients to a stock pot on the stove over medium to medium-low heat. Warm your cider for 30 minutes, or until heated to your liking and fragrant.
If preparing on the stove top, do not allow your cider to simmer or boil. If your cider begins to simmer, lower the heat slightly. I've also included these directions in the recipe card below.
Yes - prepared mulled cider will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Here's a tip - keep the container the apple cider came in. Leftovers can be funneled back into the original apple cider container, a pitcher, or any sealed container.
No. Mulled cider is made with apple cider, which (in the US) is an unfiltered apple juice. Apple cider is made with apples only and is not alcoholic or carbonated.
Yes, alcohol can be added to your mulled cider. Add shot of your favorite liquor to your glass, like bourbon or rum, then top with mulled cider.
Apple cider is simply unfiltered apple juice that is (usually) served cold, with nothing additional added in. Mulled apple cider is served warm and has additional spices and fruits added in, like cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, apple slices, orange slices, and sometimes alcohol.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Crock Pot Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 64 ounces apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar, optional
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
Instructions
Crock pot
- Add all ingredients to a 3-quart slow cooker and stir to combine. Set to low and warm for 2 hours.
- Discard spices before serving. Ladle cider into mugs and serve warm. Optionally, top each mug with an orange slice.
Stove top
- Add ingredients to a stock pot on the stove over medium to medium-low heat. Warm your cider for about 30 minutes, or until heated to your liking and fragrant.
- Discard spices before serving. Ladle cider into mugs and serve warm. Optionally, top each mug with an orange slice.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Omit brown sugar to make a less sweet apple cider.
- Optionally, place spices in a cheesecloth, tea bag, or coffee filter for easy removal later.
- Leftover mulled cider? Remove spices and orange slices, then funnel back into original apple cider container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Mulled cider can be stored and reheated in the microwave in individual mugs, or over medium heat on the stove top until hot. Cider can also be served cold.
happy holiday