Crock Pot Festive Spiced Apple Cider
Warm up your gatherings with this delightful Crock Pot Festive Spiced Apple Cider! Perfectly brewed to create an inviting aroma that fills your home, this beverage is a festive blend of sweet and tangy flavors with hints of spice. Designed for easy preparation in your 3-liter/quart crock pot, this recipe is easily adjustable for larger gatherings. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or a cozy evening with friends, this spiced cider can be enjoyed as-is or spiked with your choice of rum or vodka for an added warmth. Serve warm, and watch your guests come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple cider
8 (cups)
sugar
1/4 (cup)
orange
1 (quartered)
lemon
1/2 (cut in half)
cinnamon sticks
2 (whole)
whole cloves
15 (tied up in muslin)
fresh ginger
1 (inch, cut in slices)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and prepping all the ingredients. Quarter the orange and cut the lemon in half.
2
In your crock pot, combine the apple cider, sugar, quartered orange, halved lemon, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves (tied in muslin), and sliced fresh ginger.
3
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
4
After 2 hours, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 3 hours.
5
Before serving, carefully remove the fruit and spices from the cider using a slotted spoon or by lifting the muslin bag of cloves.
6
Serve warm in mugs, and if desired, add a splash of rum or vodka to each serving for an extra kick!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Festive Spiced Apple Cider?
It is a warm and festive beverage featuring a blend of sweet and tangy flavors with hints of spice, perfect for holiday gatherings.
What size crock pot is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 3-liter or 3-quart crock pot, though it can be adjusted for larger sizes.
How long does it take to cook the cider?
The cider takes a total of 5 hours to cook: 2 hours on high followed by 3 hours on low.
Can I make this cider for a large party?
Yes, the recipe is easily adjustable for larger gatherings and larger crock pots.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include apple cider, sugar, orange, lemon, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh ginger.
How much apple cider is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of apple cider.
How should I prepare the orange?
The orange should be washed and then cut into quarters.
How do I prepare the lemon?
You should use half a lemon and cut it in half before adding it to the pot.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sugar.
Why are the cloves tied in muslin?
Tying the 15 whole cloves in muslin makes them much easier to remove before serving.
How much fresh ginger should I add?
Use a one-inch piece of fresh ginger, cut into slices.
Should I cook the cider on high or low heat?
You start by cooking on high for 2 hours, then reduce the heat to low for 3 more hours.
Can I add alcohol to the spiced cider?
Yes, you can spike the cider with your choice of rum or vodka for added warmth.
When should I add the rum or vodka?
Add a splash of rum or vodka to each individual serving mug if desired.
How should the cider be served?
The cider should be served warm in mugs.
How do I remove the spices and fruit before serving?
Carefully remove the solids using a slotted spoon or by lifting out the muslin bag.
Does this recipe create a nice aroma?
Yes, it is specifically brewed to create an inviting aroma that fills your home.
Is this recipe suitable for a cozy evening?
Absolutely, it is designed for both festive holiday parties and cozy evenings with friends.
How many cinnamon sticks are included?
The recipe uses 2 whole cinnamon sticks.
What is the first step of preparation?
The first step is washing and prepping all the fresh ingredients like the fruits and ginger.
How many cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 15 whole cloves.
Can I serve this to children?
Yes, the base recipe is non-alcoholic and can be enjoyed by all ages as-is.
Is the ginger used fresh or ground?
This recipe specifically calls for fresh ginger cut into slices.
What flavors define this cider?
It is a festive blend of sweet and tangy flavors with warming spice notes.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
The instructions specify cutting it into slices; peeling is optional but helps release flavor.
Is it okay to use a larger crock pot?
Yes, but you may want to double the recipe to ensure there is enough liquid for a larger pot.
Can I substitute the sugar?
While the recipe calls for sugar, you could theoretically use honey or maple syrup to taste.
What type of mugs should I use?
Heat-safe mugs are best since the cider is served warm.
Can I leave the spices in while serving?
It is recommended to remove them first so guests don't accidentally drink a whole clove or peppercorn.
Is this cider good for fall?
Yes, it is categorized as a fall recipe and a holiday drink.