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Cocktail week DAY FIVE! This one is a pseudo cocktail. Pseudo meaning 1) is mulled apple cider really a cocktail? I think it is if you add whiskey in it. 2) The base recipe is non-alcoholic. I set the recipe up so that this can be served on it’s own and the alcohol can be added into each individual cup. This makes it perfect for parties :)
I grew up drinking a LOT of apple cider every winter. My mom is a big fan and would make cider each holiday season in a giant pot on the stove. I LOVE how it makes the house smell and I can’t drink a cup without thinking of her. Sadly, I have not made it enough over the past few years so I’m excited to remedy that this season.
The other nice thing about making/ serving this in a crockpot is that you can easily keep it warm without having to keep the stovetop on. I’m a big fan of this! You can put the slow cooker right on the bar cart or nestled it among all of the holiday party treats.
If for whatever reason you would rather make this on the stovetop, I’ve included instructions for that as well. I’ve got you covered! It’s pretty much the same method :)
How to make Slow Cooker Apple Cider
This mulled apple cider is very easy to make! Basically dump everything in the crockpot and let the flavors blend all together over the course of a good few hours. You can also leave it cooking overnight on low if desired.
If you’re making the mulled cider on the stovetop then it only really needs about an hour simmering until it’s ready to drink (although you could leave it on the stovetop on low for a good while if you’re wanting to keep it warm for an extended period of time).
What kind of alcohol is best for Mulled Cider?
If you’re looking to spike your mulled apple cider then you have lots of good options to choose from!
The most common liquors used to spike apple cider, and the ones I love to use, are Rum, Bourbon, and Whiskey. After doing a little research, I see that almost ANY hard liquor can be used in mulled cider including tequila, spiced rum, and brandy. Please let me know how you spike it and how you liked it!!
See how to make this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider here:
Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- Gallon apple cider
- 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 2 star anise, optional if you dont have them
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoon whole all spice
- Orange and cranberry plus alcohol for serving
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add in the apple cider, ginger, star anise, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and all spice. Mix, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or even overnight OR on high for 4 hours.
- STOVETOP: if you would like to make this on the stovetop, mix everything in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about an hour. You can then turn the heat down as low as it will go in order to keep it warmed if needed.
- When ready to serve, garnish with fresh cranberries and/ or orange and spike with your favorite alcohol. I use about 1/2 of a shot per cup, personally.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this last year and I’m making it again this year! Cant wait to have it again since it turned out wonderfully.
I can’t wait to make it for New Years! Looks wonderful.