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Easy Crockpot Apple Cider with Orange and Cloves

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This easy crockpot apple cider with orange and cloves is a dump-and-go recipe that fills your home with the cozy scent of autumn. Made with whole apples, fresh oranges, and warm spices, it’s a budget-friendly, kid-approved drink perfect for fall mornings, sick days, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, such as 6 Honeycrisp and 6 Granny Smith), washed and quartered
  • 1 large orange (navel or Valencia), washed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 8 cups water
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 20–25 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • For serving: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, rum or bourbon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep the fruit: Scrub the apples and orange thoroughly under cool water. Quarter the apples (no need to peel or core). Slice the orange into 1/4-inch rounds.
  2. Add everything to the slow cooker: Place the quartered apples and orange slices into a 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise (if using). Pour in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and water. Stir gently.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before straining, use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the apples and orange slices against the sides of the slow cooker to release more juice.
  5. Strain the cider: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully ladle the hot cider through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids to extract all liquid. Discard the solids.
  6. Taste and adjust: Add honey or maple syrup for more sweetness, or steep another cinnamon stick for more spice, if desired.
  7. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to children.

Notes

For best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Do not skip the orange—it brightens the cider. Always use whole spices, not ground, to avoid cloudiness and bitterness. Toasting the spices in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding enhances flavor. Strain twice for extra clarity if desired. Cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, apple cider with orange and cloves, easy apple cider, homemade apple cider, fall drink, mulled cider

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-crockpot-apple-cider-with-orange-and-cloves/