The warm spices in this easy crockpot hot apple cider make this the coziest drink you’ll be sipping on this fall! A touch of citrus and some fruity brown sugar make it downright perfect for the holidays.
Easy Crockpot Hot Apple Cider
This freshly made crockpot hot apple cider beats the store-bought kind any day. Its warm spices like cinnamon and cloves just welcome you to autumn with their spicy fragrance and earthy aroma. The brown sugar also adds hints of molasses and caramel to boost the fall goodness. For a bit of tang, add sweet oranges and zesty lemon before letting the slow cooker do its thing. Kept simple or dressed up with a shot of brandy, it’ll probably be the only drink you make on repeat once the leaves start falling.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider Recipe
You can kiss other winter drinks goodbye once you’ve had a sip of this tart but perfectly sweetened crockpot apple cider.
- Homemade. This cider is sweetened with brown sugar, only has fresh ingredients, and whole spices. Why would you go back to store-bought?
- Great for winter. It’s a comforting hug in a mug with all the warm spices.
- Family-friendly. If apple cider is too spicy or tart for your little ones, make this recipe using sweet apple juice instead.
- Convenient. You don’t need to stand over the stove for hours! Throw everything into the crockpot and let it simmer away to perfection.
What You’ll Need
Apple cider is the reason why this recipe is so easy. Everything else just boosts the fall-flavors. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.
- Apple cider – Use your favorite kind.
- Cinnamon sticks – Only cinnamon sticks can slowly release earthy warmth and spice without becoming overwhelming.
- Cloves – Don’t use ground cloves because they’re too intense.
- Orange – It adds natural sweetness, a touch of tartness, and zestiness.
- Lemon – Feel free to swap them for more oranges.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar work too.
Easy Variations
Hot apple cider just gets better and better with the help of a couple ingredients. Spice it up!
- Make it fruitier. Adding 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, and 1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice will make your apple cider even fruitier.
- Add a touch of caramel. Swap the sugar for homemade caramel syrup. Top the drink with whipped cream and drizzle it with more caramel for extra warmth and a cozier beverage.
- Use juice. Using organic apple juice instead of apple cider will give you a less spicy but equally yummy version of this cider. It’s more likely kids will enjoy it too.
- Make it boozy. Add a splash of brandy for a spiked apple cider variation of this recipe.
How to Make Crockpot Hot Apple Cider
Where else have you seen a 3-step hot apple cider? You can thank the crockpot for this once your house smells like autumn. Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.
- Fill the crockpot. Place the whole cloves in a small spice bag or a piece of cheesecloth. Add it to the crockpot along with the apple cider, sliced orange, sliced lemon, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar.
- Stir and cover. Give everything a gentle stir to help the flavors mingle. Secure the lid on your crockpot.
- Cook it. Set your crockpot to LOW and let it work its magic for 2 hours. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips for Success
From swapping the sweetener to why you need to slow cook it on LOW, these tips will help you nail any crockpot hot apple cider recipe.
- Garnish it. Add an orange, lemon, or apple wedge to make your drink look extra pretty.
- Add a cinnamon-sugar rim. Dip the rim of the serving glasses into lemon juice and then into cinnamon sugar. Let them air dry for 10 minutes before pouring in the apple cider and serving.
- Swap the sweetener. Maple syrup and agave nectar will increase the fall vibes due to their natural smokiness.
- Don’t cook it on HIGH. Making this cider on HIGH won’t give the flavors a chance to infuse. It’ll also make the liquid evaporate much faster. Always make it on LOW.
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot hot apple cider is a wonderful drink with fall-flavored treats. Think apples, cinnamon, pumpkin, and even nutmeg. Serve it with my Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake, Healthy Apple Pumpkin Muffins or Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes for the perfect afternoon dessert.
More Fall Drink Ideas
- Harvest Apple Bourbon Cocktail in a Pitcher
- Holiday Spiked Eggnog
- Holiday Spiced Mulled Wine
- Thieves Oil Tea for Health & Wellness
Crockpot Hot Apple Cider
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
The warm spices in this crockpot hot apple cider make it the coziest drink you’ll be sipping on this fall!
Ingredients
- 64 oz. apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Add cloves to a spice bag and place in crock pot.
- Add all other ingredients to crock pot. Stir and Cover.
- Cook on LOW for 2 hours.
- Serve.
30 comments on “Crockpot Hot Apple Cider”
Apple cider vinegar can cure or help with a myriad of diseases and health problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, infection, indigestion, memory and aging.
Thank you for the recipe, love this.
I am so happy you loved this recipe! Love Apple Cider Vinegar!
Hello
do you know how many ounces this yield? and what size crockpot you used?
Sure. I did between 6-8oz per serving and I used an 8 qt crock pot
I think its so awesome that you made your own apple cider! I never have done that before and am curious to know how it tastes in comparison to the store bought stuff.
It’s sooooooo good! You’ll love it! It’s a must for us during the holidays!
It is so fun to create new traditions with kiddos, isn’t it? Mine hasn’t met Santa yet…maybe next year. It makes Christmas so much more fun to see it through a kid’s eyes. Love the looks of this cider, I bet your house smells ah-mazing!
Exactly! Present opening time has turned into just watching the kids open and the excitement they have on their faces. It’s the best! And yes the house does smell amazing while this is in the crock pot! 🙂
We went to Candy Cane Lane here in KC on Saturday! We went to a holiday lights tour/progressive dinner with our friends! Such a fun way to start off the holiday week!
Have a wonderful holiday, friend!
Oh my gosh that sounds awesome! Love the progressive dinner thing, I wish we did that. Guess I will just have to start one, and talk to YOU about how to do it well. 🙂
This is so pretty Krista!! I’m loving your pics. And this drink sounds fantastic!! I love all the citrus in there.
Thank you so much Serene, it’s a holiday staple at our house! 🙂
I can’t believe it’s Christmas week! I love the idea of apple cider cooking in my crock pot, making my house smell wonderful! Your pictures of this cider are so pretty!
Agreed! The smells are incredible but the taste is even better. 🙂 Thank you so much Kristine!
YES!! Just LOVE love love this!
Thanks sweet friend!
That look legit amazing, totally trying this sometime. Pinned 🙂
haha.. thanks Eric! 🙂 Enjoy!
This is such a fabulous idea for Christmas! 🙂 Love that there is warm homemade apple cider ready to serve all day long.
Thank you so much Carrie! At our house this stuff goes fast!
Will have to try this! And THOSE PHOTOS!! So pretty!
Thanks girl, you and the hubs will love it! Especially with a touch of brandy to it. hehe 🙂
Love this for this time of the year. I didn’t grow up celebrating Christmas in India but still the joy of the season used to permeate us all. Happy Holidays!
Thank you so much Rakhee! You are so right, the joy of the season is contagious! 🙂
This sounds so good and I love that it’s made in a crock pot!!
Thank you so much Stephanie!
I love those glass cups, I need some! We live right down the street from our candy cane lane in Illinois! So fun!
I’m kinda obsessed. I make my coffee in them now because I like the see the separation of the milk and coffee when it’s coming out of my espresso machine. It puts me in a happy place. 🙂 that is all. 🙂
Oh my goodness…. this looks so dreamy!!!! I love cider and man does this one seem to be calling my name! I think I will listen and just dive into it now 😉 Enjoy all your holiday festivities 🙂
Right and it’s way lighter than the regular apple cider you see out there! 🙂 Hope you enjoyed the holidays girl!