Easy Crock Pot Mulled Apple Cider With Orange Juice

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One of the best things about this Crock Pot Mulled Apple Cider recipe is the warm and pleasant aroma that fills your whole house every time you make it. It’s a great way to welcome your family home after a long day or create a cozy atmosphere on a cold day or winter weekend afternoon.

For added ambiance at holiday gatherings or get-togethers, whip up a batch of hot apple cider to simmer quietly in the background—your guests will thank you!

Want more delicious cinnamon recipes to try out?  If you enjoyed the cinnamon flavor of this delicious recipe and want to use it in something else, why not try making slow cooker apple cinnamon oats for a breakfast option? Or, for a sweet treat, make some cinnamon sugar donut holes.

Want to make some more seasonal drinks? You could try this Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Bomb recipe for those chilly fall day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious and warming cider ready in your crock pot.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This hot mulled apple cider is perfect for entertaining, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
• Aromatic Delight: The combination of aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves makes your house smell delightful and inviting.
• Healthy Option: Made with natural ingredients, this cider provides a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks.

What’s In This Crock Pot Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

• Fresh apple cider – You can use your own homemade apple cider or purchase fresh cider from the grocery store or local apple orchard.
• Orange – Clean the outside well Since you’ll add the orange slices to the cider.
• Orange juice – You can use freshly squeezed or buy it at the store.
• Cinnamon sticks – Cinnamon sticks add amazing flavor.
• Cloves – Don’t skimp on the whole cloves. They’re key for adding warmth to the drink.
• Ground cinnamon – A little bit of extra cinnamon adds the perfect pop of flavor.
• Five-spice powder—Trust me—this spice is amazing! (It adds a twist to the flavor of this easy recipe!)

Substitutions and Variations

• If you want to stir in some extra sweetness, a little bit of maple syrup goes a long way to make this a sweet cider!
• If you just want to add in a little bit of orange peel, use a vegetable peeler and peel off some to add to the slow cooker.
• You can also add additional cinnamon sticks to pair well with the flavor of sweet apples.
• Mulling spices can also be used instead of five-spice powder.

How To Make Spiced Mulled Apple Cider (step-by-step directions)

• Add all ingredients to a slow cooker crock and stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
• When finished, remove and discard cinnamon sticks and cooked orange slices.
• Ladle warm cider into individual servings.
• Serve with additional orange slices and fresh cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh apple cider and freshly squeezed orange juice to maximize the flavor of this delicious mulled cider recipe
• Don’t Skip the Spices: Cinnamon sticks and cloves are essential for achieving that perfect spiced taste. Make sure to use whole spices for the best results.
• Watch the Temperature: Cooking on low heat for a longer period ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully without overcooking the ingredients.
• Taste Test: Before serving, taste the cider and adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preference.
• Garnish Creatively: Add some garnishing flair by topping your mugs of cider with a slice of fresh apple or a twist of orange peel.
• Slow Cooker Size: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably without overflowing.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Instant Pot Method

If you’re short on time or prefer using an Instant Pot, this recipe can easily be adapted:

1. Add Ingredients: Pour the fresh apple cider, orange juice, and spices into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
2. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high for 10 minutes.
3. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
4. Strain and Serve: Open the lid, discard the cinnamon sticks and cooked orange slices, and ladle the cider into mugs. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks if desired.

Stove Top Method

For those who prefer the traditional stove top method, follow these simple steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the apple cider, orange juice, and spices to a large pot. Stir well.
2. Simmer: Place the pot over low to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook: Allow the cider to simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even distribution of spices.
4. Strain and Serve: Once done, remove the pot from heat, discard the cinnamon sticks and orange slices, and serve the cider in mugs with optional garnishes.

Both methods offer a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your warm apple cider without compromising on flavor or warmth!

Storing Tips 

This great recipe makes quite a large batch which means that you’ll get to enjoy that flavor of fresh spices over and over again. All you need to do is let it cool down and then store it in a container with a lid in the fridge. The next time that you want a glass, you can add it to your favorite mug, stir, heat up, and sip! You can warm it up on the stove top in a medium saucepan or reheat the warm drink in the microwave quickly as well.

Serving Suggestions

Mulled apple cider pairs beautifully with an array of delicious treats that can elevate your gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the warm and spiced flavors of your cider:

• Warm baked goods: Serve with freshly baked cinnamon rolls, pumpkin muffins, or apple turnovers to enhance the cozy fall flavors.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or a creamy Brie, accompanied by crackers and apple slices, makes for a delightful and sophisticated pairing.
• Nuts and dried fruits: A mix of spiced nuts, dried cranberries, and apricots can provide a satisfying crunch and sweetness.
• Savory snacks: Light appetizers such as prosciutto-wrapped pears, mini quiches, or sausage rolls can balance the sweetness of the cider with their savory notes.
• Desserts: For a sweet finish, consider serving apple pie, caramel popcorn, or gingerbread cookies alongside your hot drink.

Recipe FAQs

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