What’s better than store-bought apple cider? A warm mug of homemade spiced apple cider!
This cozy non-alcoholic drink brings together fresh apple juice and classic fall spices for a drink that’ll make your whole house smell amazing. Perfect for chilly afternoons, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a comforting drink that the whole family can enjoy. Don’t expect leftovers though – this cider has a way of disappearing fast, especially when the sweet aroma fills your kitchen.
Ingredient Substitutions
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples can be substituted with other apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. The key is to maintain a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Adjust the ratio of sweet to tart apples based on your preference.
Cinnamon sticks can be replaced with ground cinnamon if whole sticks are unavailable. Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for each stick. This substitution may result in a slightly cloudier appearance but will maintain the flavor profile.
Cara cara orange can be swapped with regular navel oranges or even tangerines. If using tangerines, add an extra slice or two to compensate for their smaller size. These substitutions will provide a similar citrus note to complement the apple and spice flavors.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 480 minutes |
| Total Time | 495-500 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 5-10 g
- Fat: 0-2 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-165 g
Ingredients
- 2 tsp whole cloves
- 25 oz Granny Smith apples (cored and sliced)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated for enhanced aroma)
- 25 oz Honeycrisp apples (cored and sliced)
- 1 Cara Cara orange (thick slices, for a subtle citrus note)
- 6 cinnamon sticks (for best infusion, check for freshness)
- 5 cups unsweetened apple juice (I use Mott’s unfiltered)
- 4 cups water
- 3/4 tsp allspice
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add all of the ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
This will help them infuse together during the cooking process, creating a rich and flavorful cider.
Step 2: Cook the Cider
Set the slow cooker to the low setting and let it cook for 8 hours.
During this time, the flavors will meld together, creating a fragrant and inviting apple cider.
Step 3: Mash the Fruits
After the 8-hour cooking period, use a potato masher to mash the apples and orange slices in the slow cooker.
This will help release any remaining juices and deepen the flavor of the cider.
Step 4: Strain the Cider
Using a fine mesh sieve, carefully strain the apple cider to remove the apple skins, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and any excess pulp.
This will leave you with a smooth and clear cider ready for serving.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Serve the apple cider while warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice for an extra festive touch.
Enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade cider.
Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future enjoyment.
