Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a fragrant haven of autumn warmth? This Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is not just a beverage—it's a magical potion that captures the essence of comfort and holiday cheer in every single sip! Imagine walking into a room filled with the intoxicating aroma of spiced cider, with hints of orange, cinnamon, and cloves dancing through the air. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or craving a soul-warming drink on a chilly evening, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of cranberry juice, 1 sliced orange, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves.
- In a slow cooker, pour in the 4 cups of apple cider and the 2 cups of cranberry juice. Stir gently to combine the two liquids.
- Next, take the orange and slice it into thin rounds. Add the sliced orange to the slow cooker, ensuring the slices are evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Now, add the 3 cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker. These will infuse the cider with a warm, spicy flavor as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of whole cloves. Be careful not to add too many, as they can be quite potent. The cloves will add depth to the overall flavor of the cider.
- Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid. Set the slow cooker to the low setting and let it cook for about 4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the lid. The cider should be steaming and fragrant. Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors once more.
- Using a ladle, carefully pour the hot cranberry apple cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. If desired, you can strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solid ingredients like the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices.
- Serve the cider warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors of the season. You can also garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or orange slices if desired.
- Any leftover cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the best flavor profile.
- Don't rush the cooking process—slow cooking allows the spices to fully infuse the liquid.
- For a more intense flavor, slightly bruise the cinnamon sticks before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, adjust the ratio of apple cider to cranberry juice.
- Consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version of this comforting beverage.
- Strain the solids before serving for a smoother texture, or leave them in for a more rustic presentation.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
