Introduction

Warm up your chilly days with this cozy Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider. Infused with fragrant oranges, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and a splash of brandy, it’s a comforting drink perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire.

A clear glass mug filled with a warm, amber-brown drink, topped with visible small dark spices floating near the surface, and a whole cinnamon stick gently resting inside the liquid, leaning against the rim. The mug sits on a white marbled surface, with two curled cinnamon sticks placed in front at the base of the mug. In the background, there’s a blurred second glass mug with a similar drink and cinnamon stick. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider
2 oranges, sliced
5 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise pods (optional)
1 tbsp whole cloves
2 cups brandy (or apple brandy, Fireball whiskey)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the oranges.
Step 2: Make small holes in the orange rinds and insert the cloves into them to prevent the cloves from floating in the cider.
Step 3: Place the apple cider, sliced oranges with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods (if using) into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 4: Cook on low for four hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 5: Just before serving, stir in the brandy or preferred liquor.
Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with cinnamon sticks or star anise if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use whole spices instead of ground for a more vibrant flavor infusion.
Substitute Fireball whiskey for brandy to add a cinnamon kick.
Try apple brandy for a sweeter, fruitier note.
Add the alcohol to each glass instead of the whole batch to serve non-alcoholic versions alongside.
Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks or star anise for a festive touch.

Storage

Once prepared, keep the cider warm in the crockpot on the “keep warm” setting for up to two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, then add fresh brandy.

How to Serve

A clear glass mug filled with a warm, light brown liquid that looks smooth and slightly cloudy. Inside the mug, a long cinnamon stick is placed standing diagonally, partly submerged on the right side. A few small dark spices float near the top of the drink. The mug has a clear, round handle on the right side. Next to the base of the mug, there are two cinnamon sticks placed on a white marbled surface, along with a few dark cloves scattered around. The background is softly blurred, showing hints of another glass with a similar drink behind, and a white marbled texture surface below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes! Simply omit the brandy or whiskey and serve the cider warm. You can also add a splash of apple juice or cider vinegar for extra depth without the alcohol.

Can I prepare this cider in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble all the ingredients except the alcohol, refrigerate overnight, then heat it in the crockpot the next day. Add the brandy just before serving for best flavor.

Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

This cozy Crockpot Spiced Apple Cider recipe infuses apple cider with fragrant oranges, whole cloves, warm cinnamon sticks, and star anise, creating a warm and inviting drink perfect for cold weather. Enhanced with a splash of brandy or your choice of liquor, it brings a comforting kick to the classic fall beverage.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 18 servings 1x
Category: Drinks
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Spiced Apple Cider

1 gallon apple cider
2 oranges, sliced
5 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise pods (optional)
1 tbsp whole cloves

Liquor Options

2 cups brandy (or apple brandy or Fireball cinnamon whiskey)

Instructions

Prepare Oranges: Slice the oranges and use a knife to make small holes in the rinds. Insert the whole cloves into these holes to prevent them from floating in the cider during cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the apple cider, sliced oranges with cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods (if using), and whole cloves.
Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the mixture for 4 hours. This allows the cider to infuse with the warm spices and citrus aroma, filling your kitchen with cozy scents.
Add Alcohol: Just before serving, stir in the brandy, apple brandy, or Fireball whiskey to the hot cider for a spirited twist.
Serve Warm: Ladle the spiced cider into mugs, garnishing with extra cinnamon sticks or star anise if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warming flavors.
Storage and Reheating: If needed, keep the cider warm on the slow cooker’s “keep warm” setting for up to two hours or reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave later.

Notes

Whole spices are preferred over ground spices to infuse the best flavor without clouding the cider.
Cloves inserted into orange slices avoid floating cloves in the drink, enhancing presentation and flavor.
Adjust the amount of alcohol to taste, or omit entirely for a non-alcoholic version suitable for all ages.
Use a good quality, unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider for the best flavor depth.
The star anise adds a lovely licorice note but is optional.
Try Fireball cinnamon whiskey for a spicier cinnamon kick or apple brandy for a sweeter flavor variation.

Keywords: spiced apple cider, crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, fall drinks, warm alcoholic drinks, brandy apple cider, holiday drinks