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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks

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This cozy slow cooker apple cider with cinnamon sticks is the closest I’ve come to bottling that afternoon. It fills the house with that same sweet, spiced warmth, and honestly, it’s become my little ritual every time the air gets that particular chill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) apple cider
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks
  • 6–8 whole cloves
  • 3–4 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
  • Fresh apple slices or orange wheels for garnish
  • Star anise pods for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. If using cloves, poke them into one of the orange slices.
  2. Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add the sliced orange, sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), allspice berries, and the split vanilla bean (if using). Stir gently.
  3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the cider. If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed. Optionally add a pinch of salt.
  5. If serving a crowd, remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves with a slotted spoon. The fruit slices can stay.
  6. Ladle the cider into mugs. Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a fresh apple slice or orange wheel, and optionally a star anise pod.
  7. If serving over several hours, set the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting. Stir occasionally.

Notes

For extra depth, toast the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and allspice in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding. If cider tastes flat, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. To avoid bitterness, remove whole spices after 4-6 hours. For a party, set up a ‘cider bar’ with garnishes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, cinnamon sticks, mulled cider, fall drink, warm apple cider, spiced cider, cozy drink, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-with-cinnamon-sticks/