Drinks

Slow Cooker Mulled Cider Recipe

BySimon Carel November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

Introduction

Warm up your gatherings with this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider, a comforting blend of apple cider and spices. It’s perfectly spiced and easy to prepare, making it a cozy treat for chilly days or festive occasions.

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a warm, golden-orange drink. Each mug has a thin lemon slice floating on top, along with a cinnamon stick standing upright inside the drink. The liquid looks smooth and slightly thick with a shiny surface. The mugs sit on a dark wooden board, which is placed on a white marbled surface. Around the mugs, there are whole cinnamon sticks, scattered nutmegs, and some fresh apples with red and pink hues, softly blurred in the background. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 cups apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
5 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole allspice
5 star anise
1 orange, sliced
Garnish options: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices, fresh whipped cream, or mug cookies

Instructions

Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise. Whisk gently until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 2: Place the orange slices on top of the mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse fully.
Step 3: Before serving, strain the cider to remove the spices and orange slices. Add fresh orange or apple slices if you like for extra color and flavor.
Step 4: Ladle the warm mulled cider into mugs and garnish with your choice of cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices, fresh whipped cream, or pair with mug cookies.

Tips & Variations

For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum just before serving.
You can substitute fresh orange slices with dried orange peel if you prefer a less sweet citrus flavor.
Use a spice bag or cheesecloth to hold the cloves, allspice, and star anise for easier removal.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

Storage

Store any leftover mulled cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving to keep the flavors vibrant. Avoid boiling to preserve the spices’ delicate notes.

How to Serve

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with a warm orange-yellow drink, likely spiced apple cider. Each mug has a thin slice of lemon floating on top, with a cinnamon stick standing inside, leaning against the side. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface with a black slate board underneath, scattered with whole nutmeg and star anise. In the background, red apples and a glass jar filled with the same drink add depth, all softly lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on the stove over low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Use a large pot and strain before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the mulled cider a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then gently reheat when ready to serve. This allows the spices to infuse even more deeply.