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Cozy Crockpot Apple Cider with Orange & Cloves

crockpot apple cider with orange and cloves - featured image

This easy, hands-off crockpot apple cider is infused with orange, cloves, and cinnamon for a perfectly balanced, aromatic fall drink. It’s naturally sweetened and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (1.89 liters) apple cider
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2–3 star anise (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
  • Apple slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. If using an apple for garnish, slice it thinly as well.
  2. Place the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using) into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
  3. Pour the entire 64 ounces of apple cider over the fruit and spices.
  4. Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey. If using fresh cranberries for garnish, add them now.
  5. Put the lid on the crockpot. Set it to LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  6. After 4 hours on low, give the cider a gentle stir with a wooden spoon. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
  7. Once the cider is perfectly spiced and fragrant, serve it hot. Ladle directly into mugs, using a slotted spoon to avoid whole spices, or pour through a fine-mesh strainer for a cleaner look. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a few fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

For a super clear cider, strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve. The cider tastes even better the next day. To keep warm for hours, switch the crockpot to the ‘Warm’ setting after cooking. For a boozy version, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to each mug before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, spiced apple cider, fall drink, holiday drink, apple cider with orange and cloves