Easy Crockpot Apple Cider
I wish you could smell this one through the screen! My homemade apple cider is warm, sweet, and has the most incredible fall flavors.
Crockpot apple cider is such a fun fall recipe to make! Toss a bunch of fresh apples, a couple of oranges, and whole spices into the slow cooker, and a few hours later you’ve got a big batch of warm cider and a kitchen that smells incredible.
This recipe is fairly simple, mostly hands-off, and makes plenty of apple cider to share. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, a chilly weekend, or even fall game days. You can also use it in other recipes like my apple cider floats and apple cider donut cake.
Good Things to Know Before You Start
- ✓ Slow cooker or stovetop method
- ✓ Makes 16 one-cup servings
- ✓ Nonalcoholic as written
- ✓ Freezer friendly
Kim’s Best Tips
Use a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker or stockpot so there’s enough room for the apples, oranges, spices, and water. Wash the apples well, remove the cores, and cut them into quarters. Peel the oranges and separate them into sections before adding the fruit to the pot.
I like to place the cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, cloves, and optional ginger in the center of a piece of cheesecloth and tie it into a bundle using kitchen twine. Bundling it makes it easier to remove the spices. If you don’t have cheesecloth, just toss them in whole.
What Goes Into Apple Cider
My cider recipe is made from scratch using pantry ingredients, lots of fresh apples, and a couple of oranges. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks to infuse the cider with cinnamon flavor as it cooks.
- 1 whole nutmeg to add warm nutmeg flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of whole cloves (these have a classic Christmas flavor and compliment the other fall spices beautifully).
- ½ inch fresh ginger root to add a tiny bit of bite and more depth.
- 10 to 12 apples (the main ingredient). Make sure to choose an assortment. My favorites are a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp so you get a little sweet and some tartness. Gala, Fuji, and Red Delicious are going to taste sweeter, while Pink Lady, Braeburn, and McIntosh will be more tart.
- 2 navel oranges. These should be peeled and the sections separated.
- 1 gallon of water. It may sound weird, but make sure it’s water that you like to drink. Some people prefer bottled over tap, so use your favorite.
- A little brown sugar. This is totally optional and adds a touch of sweetness if the apple cider turns out too tart.
How to Make Apple Cider in the Crockpot
- Make the spice bundle: Place the cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, whole cloves, and ginger in a piece of cheesecloth. Gather the edges and tie the bundle closed with kitchen twine.
- Fill the slow cooker: Add the cored apple quarters and peeled orange sections to a 7-quart or larger slow cooker. Place the spice bundle in with the fruit, pour in the water, and cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook and mash: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples and oranges are very soft. Mash the cooked fruit with a potato masher or sturdy wooden spoon until it breaks down. Cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain the cider: Set a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe pitcher or large bowl. Carefully ladle the hot cider mixture through the strainer. Discard the apple pulp, orange pulp, and spice bundle. Strain the cider a second time if you want less pulp.
- Serve: If you want the cider a little sweeter, stir in some brown sugar a little at a time until it’s sweet enough for you. Maple syrup can also be used as an optional sweetener. Ladle the warm apple cider into mugs and serve.
Stovetop Method
This apple cider can also be made on the stovetop in a large pan if you’d prefer that way. Place the fruit, spice bundle, and water in a large stockpot. Bring the liquid to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 hours, avoiding high heat so too much water doesn’t evaporate. Mash the fruit, strain the cider, and sweeten it after straining if desired.
How to Store Leftovers
Homemade apple cider lasts about 4 days in the fridge. It freezes well for 3 months. Let it cool, pour it into a freezer-safe container with out 2 inches of extra space. It’s going to expand some and needs the room.
More Easy Drinks to Try Next
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- ½ inch fresh ginger, optional
- 10 to 12 apples, cored and quartered (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 2 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned
- 1 gallon water
- Brown sugar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, whole cloves, and optional ginger in a piece of cheesecloth. Tie the bundle closed with kitchen twine.3 to 4 cinnamon sticks1 whole nutmeg1 tablespoon whole cloves½ inch fresh ginger
- Place the apples and orange sections in a 7-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the spice bundle and pour in the water.10 to 12 apples2 navel oranges1 gallon water
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Carefully mash the softened fruit with a potato masher or sturdy wooden spoon. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe container. Strain again if desired. Discard the fruit solids and spices.
- Stir in brown sugar a little at a time, if using, and taste between additions. Serve warm.Brown sugar
Notes
- Stovetop method: Combine the fruit, spice bundle, and water in a large stockpot. Cover, and keep the mixture at a low simmer for 2 to 3 hours, then mash, strain, and sweeten as directed.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor. Use whole spices keep the finished cider clearer than ground spices.
- Double strain if you prefer less pulp.
- Brown sugar is optional. Only add it if you want to make the cider sweeter.
- Freeze the cooled cider in a freezer-safe container with at least 2 inches of room for expansion for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over low heat on the stove. Store the cooled apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.