Crockpot Apple Cider - Easy Slow Cooker Recipe (2024)

This Crockpot Apple Cider recipe is easy to make in the slow cooker and the best warm drink for fall, and the holiday season! Takes just 5 minutes of prep time with a delicious combination of orange, lemon, apples, cranberries, cinnamon and cloves.

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Updated October 2020

An Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe

Fall is in the air and that calls for all the cozy drinks. I can’t think of anything more comforting than this Crockpot Apple Cider on a chilly autumn day. It’s so easy to make and starts off with the same base as my Homemade Apple Cider and Instant Apple Cider.

Made with a combination of apples, orange, lemon and cranberries that pair amazingly well with the warm and cozy cinnamon and cloves. Takes just 5 minutes of prep time and you just let your slow cooker work it’s magic.

Why we love this hot apple cider

This drink recipe is not only cozy and delicious but it makes a healthy treat for any time of day. It’s naturally vegan, paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar free and easily Whole30 compliant if you leave out the sweetener.

The best part about making this easy apple cider is that you easily customize it depending on your mood. Not a fan of cranberries or the lemon? You can leave them out depending on your mood or what you have on hand.

Serving this at your next holiday party or get together? Feel free to bump up the spices or sweetener.

Enjoying a warm cider at home? Grab a warm mug and cuddle up by the fireplace. Or add some caramel and whipped cream for a dessert drink.

Ingredients you need for this slow cooker apple cider recipe

This mulled cider recipe uses fresh fruit instead of apple juice and aromatic spices to make your house smell amazing. Feel free to customize the fruit with what you like or have in your kitchen.

• Apples – use a mix of apples. You can leave the skin on or off. If leaving the skin on, be sure to wash them first before adding them to the crockpot.
• Oranges & Lemons – you can leave the peel on or off. Peeling the oranges first helps cut down on the bitterness. If leaving the skin on, be sure to wash them first before adding them to the crockpot.
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise – adds a wonderful licorice like aroma and can be found on Amazon, the baking aisle or the International section of a large grocery store where there are dried herbs. Feel free to leave it out if you can’t find it.

Optional sweetener: You can leave out the sweetener to make this Whole30 compliant or add any sweetener of your choice and adjust the amount according to your taste. Coconut sugar, maple sugar, monk fruit sweetener, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey or any sugar free sweetener would work depending on your preference.

How to make Crockpot Apple Cider

Making homemade hot apple cider from scratch couldn’t be easier when you use your slow cooker. It’s a set and forget recipe and all of those delicious sweet and spicy flavors are infused together and takes less than 5 minutes of hands on time.

1. ADD FRUIT TO SLOW COOKER: Place the quartered apples, orange, lemon and cranberries into a 6 Quart Slow Cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, teaspoon whole cloves, star anise (if using) and pour a few cups water over top (enough to cover the fruit).
2. COOK ON LOW: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
3. MASH THE FRUIT: Mash the fruit with a potato masher to release the juices. Cover and cook an additional 1 hour on low.
4. STRAIN: Carefully strain the solids from the liquids using a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids and store cider in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for later use.

Apple Cider Variations

Want to mix things up depending on your mood or special occasion.

• Leave out the lemon and oranges for a sweeter more concentrated apple flavor.
• Not a fan of cloves? Leave it out and add a slice of ginger.
• Don’t have a lot of time? Use apple juice or other fruit juices instead and infuse them with the cinnamon and cloves.
• Serving this at a party for adults? Add a splash of your favorite spirits such as bourbon or brandy.

Apples to use for Slow Cooker Apple Cider

We like to use a variety of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.

• Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Gala but you can use any other variety you like. For a sweet apple cider, use Pink Lady, Cortland or Fuji.

Storage Instructions

The great thing about apple cider is you can make it ahead of time and store it in a large jug in your fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezer instructions:

Want to freeze your apple cider? Pour into an ice cube tray mold and freeze until solid. Then transfer the ice cubes to a large resealable bag to add to your cold drinks or thaw until ready to enjoy!

More cozy drink recipes you might like:

Matcha Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Homemade Gingerbread Latte

Peppermint Mocha Latte