Name: Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 1 64-ounce bottle (8 cups) apple cider (8 cups); 1 cup water; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; ¼ cup brown sugar; 4 cinnamon sticks; 1 apple (thinly sliced)

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Hot Spiced Cider is perfect to take the chill out of blustery fall days. This slow cooker recipe makes it easy and layers on delicious flavors as well as a touch of pumpkin! Great ‘as is’ or to use in other recipes (ideas included).

Slow cooker recipes are perfect to build fantastic flavor and leave you free to do other things.

This recipe will fill your house with amazing fall aromas as it cooks!

The reward of a steamy mug when it’s done is worth the wait!

This recipe is right in line with other fall favorites like Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider, Wassail or Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Rum

Easy Spiced Apple Cider

Everything is added to a slow cooker and you can sit back and relax!

The ingredients are simple, wholesome and easy to find.

Recipe Ingredients + Notes

Apple Cider – this ingredient is the perfect starting point for this recipe. More flavors are layered on during the slow cooker process to create a deliciously cozy spiced apple cider.

Water

Pumpkin Puree – this is the special ingredient that really gives depth and fall flavor. Only a small amount of pumpkin is added so the cider does not taste pumpkin’y. Use homemade pumpkin puree or store bought.

Pumpkin Pie Spice – all the great warm spices are combined in this classic spice mix. It’s easy to just add one blend for the perfect end result.

Brown Sugar – the brown sugar both sweetens and deepens the flavor of the added spices.

Cinnamon Sticks – these add the signature cinnamon flavor we know and love in a spiced cider.

Apple – adding a sliced fresh apple brings more apple flavor. Any type apple can be used (I love honeycrisp) and it does not need to be peeled first (rinsed only).

How to Make it – Step-by-Step

This recipe couldn’t be easier! Using a slow cooker allows slow cooking for the flavors to blend without having to monitor it.

STEP 1: Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add the water, pumpkin puree, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; stir to combine.

STEP 2: Add the cinnamon sticks and sliced apple.

STEP 3: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on LOW for at least 4 hours.

STEP 4: Stir well and serve!

What is the Best Alcohol to add to Apple Cider?

Crock pot apple cider is a non-alcoholic recipe but that doesn’t mean you can’t ADD alcohol to it when it’s served.

The spices and flavors allow many liquor choices that all make a great warm cocktail.

Rum – rum seems to universally work with fruity flavor.

Whiskey or Bourbon – a classic strong liquor to add warmth and boozy flavor to the hot cider.

Fireball – This easy fiery liqueur is a perfect match with the spiced apple flavors in the pumpkin cider recipe.

Tequila – try cinnamon tequila for a fall twist!

Mixed with wine for a Sangria – Sangria recipes are great for parties, holiday meals or just to have on hand when you want a glass. They are a mix of wine and other liquors (usually an orange liqueur and brandy) with fresh fruit.

Vodka – regular vodka has a neutral flavor so is great to just add alcohol without changing the taste. A flavored vodka like apple vodka, ginger vodka or lemon vodka (which you can make at home) will heighten the fall flavors.

How to Use it

Spiced apple cider is not just for drinking warm on a chilly night! There are many creative ways to enjoy it.

Chilled over ice. Once the cider is finished, allow it to cook and store sealed in the refrigerator. It’s delicious over ice!

In cocktail recipes. The wonderful fall spices in this spiced cider is perfect for cocktails like Spiced Apple Cider Whisky Sour or

As a braising liquid. Braising is a delicious combination of searing meat then adding other ingredients (potatoes, vegetables, etc) along with a cooking liquid to finish the dish in the stove. Spiced cider adds wonderful flavor to lighter meats. Try it in Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Onions, Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin or Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops with Shallots and Thyme.

In baking recipes. A fall classic is Apple Cider Donuts but it’s a great addition to cakes, breads and muffins too.

For grilling recipes. If you’ve ever made ribs on the grill there is often a step to wrap them in foil. Add some of the cider inside the foil packet. It heightens the natural sweetness in the pork and keeps them moist and delicious.

In sauces. Just a little bit can perk up the flavor of recipes for barbecue sauce. Or add to some sauteed shallots and cream to thicken for a sauce on roasted chicken or pork.

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