Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

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Warm mulled cider is the perfect winter drink. Spices mix with cider in the slow cooker for a flavor infusion you'll love.

Two glasses of slow cooker Mulled Cider on a star shaped tray

Growing up in the South I don't think I ever really fully appreciated mulled cider. There's something about wearing flip flops at Christmas that makes an eggnog more appetizing than a hot cider. Fast forward to living in chilly Kansas, then Washington DC and now here in England and, well, a nice mulled cider definitely hits the spot!

For an extra kick try this mulled wine recipe too!

There are so many variations of mulled cider (also called wassail) recipes that you really can't go wrong. This is my favorite wassail recipe, made in the slow cooker so it's perfect for easy entertaining!

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider
1 ½ cups cranberry juice
4 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
1 medium orange, sliced
1 inch of ginger, sliced thinly
2 star anise

Instructions

Pour the cider and cranberry juice into the slow cooker. Wrap cinnamon, cloves, ginger and star anise in a cheesecloth or coffee filter and place in the cider mixture.

Add sliced oranges and cook on low 4-6hours or high 2-3 hours. Garnish with sliced oranges and additional cinnamon sticks if desired.

FAQs

What are mulled cider spices?

Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves are most commonly used but you can add whole nutmeg too. Mulling spices are used whole, not ground so the drink is infused with the flavor without getting cloudy.

Can I add alcohol to mulled cider?

Of course, you may choose to add a cup of spiced rum or the alcohol of your choice to the cider but what I like to do when entertaining is keep a bottle of rum next to the slow cooker so guests can spike their drinks to their own taste preference. This also makes it so nondrinkers and kids can enjoy the cider as well!

What is the difference between mulled cider and wassail?

Nothing!

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can absolutely use the stovetop for this recipe. Simply warm the cider for one hour on low, you do not want to actually simmer the cider, just warm it.

Can I use an Instant Pot?

You can make this in the Instant Pot on the slow cooker setting at normal following the same directions as the slow cooker. You will not use pressure for making this recipe.

How do you save leftovers?

Allow the cider to cool and remove all spices and fruit. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

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If you’ve tried this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!