Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of warm spices, citrus, and sweet apple goodness. This isn't just another ordinary drink - it's a magical, soul-warming beverage that will transform your entire winter experience! Our Slow Cooker Spiced Cranberry Citrus Apple Cider is the ultimate comfort drink that promises to tantalize your taste buds and wrap you in a blanket of delicious warmth. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a comforting weekend treat, or simply wanting to fill your home with an irresistible fragrance, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to beverage.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your slow cooker by wiping the interior clean and ensuring it's ready for use.
- Wash the orange and lemon thoroughly, then slice them into thin rounds, removing any seeds to prevent bitterness.
- Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries into a small spice bag or tied cheesecloth pouch to make removal easier after cooking.
- Pour the entire gallon of apple cider into the slow cooker, followed by the cup of cranberry juice.
- Add the sliced orange and lemon rounds directly into the liquid, distributing them evenly.
- Drop the prepared spice bag with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries into the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting, allowing the cider to warm and infuse for 4 hours.
- Occasionally stir the cider gently to help distribute the spices and fruit flavors.
- After 4 hours, remove the spice bag and fruit slices using a slotted spoon.
- Ladle the warm spiced cider into mugs, garnishing with a fresh orange or lemon slice if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, and store any remaining cider in the slow cooker on warm setting for continued enjoyment.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor profile. Freshly pressed cider will make a significant difference in taste.
- To prevent a bitter taste, remove any seeds from the citrus fruits before adding them to the slow cooker.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using a spice bag or cheesecloth to contain whole spices - this makes removal easier and prevents floating spice bits.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, let the spices steep for the full 4 hours. For a milder taste, you can remove the spice bag earlier.
- Garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks or citrus slices when serving to elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Keep the cider on the warm setting during gatherings so guests can enjoy hot servings throughout the event.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon for a festive twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
