Slow Cooker Apple Cider from Scratch

two glass mugs of warm apple cider surrounded by dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a red apple on a wooden cutting board

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Apple Cider from Scratch

Slow cooker apple cider will fill your mug with the perfect fall beverage and your home with a lovely aroma! This recipe is a tradition in our home and I hope it becomes one in yours as well.

Prep Time5

Cook Time8

Total Time8 5

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 149kcal

Author: Mariana

Ingredients

10 apples quartered
1 orange sliced
7-8 cups water
3-4 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons whole cloves
½ cup brown sugar or ½ cup unbleached white sugar OR ¼ cup honey OR ¼ cup maple syrup SEE NOTES
1 vanilla bean pod sliced down the center, optional
1 tablespoon apple pie spice blend optional

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients by quartering your apples of choice and slicing your orange.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cover with your water.
Cook on high for 6-8 hours.
Use a potato masher to mash down the ingredients in the slow cooker. (Be careful as it is very hot!)
Carefully strain your hot cider through a cheesecloth lined mesh strainer 1-2 times (or more if needed) until it is clear.

Notes

Sweetener: you can use brown sugar, unbleached white sugar, maple syrup, or honey to sweeten! If you are using honey or maple syrup be sure to use ¼ cup to begin, test it, and add more if more sweetness is desired!
It is okay to leave the orange peel and apple skins on!
Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
If you'd like to freeze it for later use, use silicone molds or wide-mouth glass jars (with glass jars be sure to leave 1 inch of headspace at the top) for up to 6 months.

Nutrition