Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
A pot of mulled cider makes the house smell wonderful the moment guests walk in, and the slow cooker keeps it at sipping temperature for hours. It's made with unfiltered apple cider, the cloudy, non-alcoholic kind sold as fresh-pressed apple cider or cloudy apple juice.
By Maya Ellison
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 2 hrs 30 mins
- Total Time
- 2 hrs 35 mins
- Servings
- 8 mugs (250 ml each)
How do you make Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider?
To make mulled cider in a slow cooker, pour 2 L (8 cups) unfiltered apple cider into a 4-6 L slow cooker with a sliced orange, 3 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 2 star anise and a few slices of fresh ginger. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1 1/2 hours, until steaming, then keep it on WARM and ladle into mugs.
- Total time
- 2 hrs 35 mins
- Calories
- 130 per serving
- Protein
- 0 g
- Yield
- 8 mugs (250 ml each)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Slow cooking
Ingredients
Equipment
Slow cooker (4-6 L) · Ladle · Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
Quick Directions
Combine
Pour the cider into the slow cooker and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and ginger.
Heat gently
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1 1/2 hours, until steaming hot and fragrant.
Taste and sweeten
Taste and stir in the maple syrup or brown sugar if your cider is tart.
Keep warm and serve
Switch to WARM for up to 4 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect slow cooker mulled apple cider.
Combine
Pour the cider into the slow cooker and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and ginger.
Heat gently
Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1 1/2 hours, until steaming hot and fragrant. Don't let it boil, which makes the spices bitter.
Taste and sweeten
Taste and stir in the maple syrup or brown sugar if your cider is tart. Some ciders are sweet enough without it.
Keep warm and serve
Switch to WARM for up to 4 hours. Ladle into mugs, straining out the spices if you like, and add an apple slice or cinnamon stick to each. If the spice flavour gets too strong, lift out the cloves and star anise with a slotted spoon.
Recipe Tips
- In North America, apple cider means fresh, unfiltered, non-alcoholic pressed apple juice. In many other countries, cider is alcoholic, so look for cloudy apple juice instead.
- Whole spices keep the cider clear. Ground spices make it gritty.
- Stick the cloves into the orange slices so they're easy to fish out later.
Variations
- For adults, add 30 ml (1 oz) dark rum, bourbon or brandy to each mug just before serving.
- Replace 500 ml (2 cups) of the cider with cranberry juice for a tart, ruby-red drink.
- Add 1 vanilla bean, split, or a few cardamom pods with the other spices.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 130 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fibre | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Strain out the spices and fruit, then refrigerate in a covered jug for up to 5 days.
- Reheat
- Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming. Don't let it boil.
Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider FAQs
What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
In North America, apple cider is raw, unfiltered pressed apple juice, so it's cloudy and has a fuller flavour. Apple juice is filtered and often pasteurized for a longer shelf life. Elsewhere, cider usually means an alcoholic drink, so use cloudy apple juice.
Can I make mulled cider ahead?
Yes. Make it up to 5 days ahead, strain out the spices and fruit and refrigerate. Reheat it in the slow cooker on HIGH for about 1 hour, or on the stove.
How long can mulled cider stay on WARM?
Up to about 4 hours. Remove the cloves and star anise after 3 hours if it starts to taste too strongly spiced.
Can I add alcohol to mulled cider?
Yes. Add it to individual mugs rather than the slow cooker, about 30 ml (1 oz) of dark rum, bourbon or brandy per mug, so children and non-drinkers can enjoy the cider too.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
