Fresh, tangy Hot Apple Cider…the best way to make your own apple cider at home.  Load up the slow cooker or crock pot with apples, oranges, spices and water…cook all day and then enjoy the best fall beverage ever on the planet.

Homemade Apple Cider in three footed glasses with cinnamon sticks and apple slice.


Apple Cider

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When fall is in the air, the only thing I want is a steaming cup of hot apple cider. It’s just the perfect sip to chase away any chill that may be in the air. And it’s very easy to make at home so if you go apple picking and have an over abundance of fresh apples, this is just the thing to make.

Homemade Apple Cider is also a great drink for parties! You can make a big batch and let your guests serve themselves with garnishes or boozy mix ins.

We also love adding it to so many recipes like braised pork, chicken or adding to baking recipes.

Apple Cider in a wine glass with apple slice and a cinnamon stick

What is Apple Cider

Apple Cider is a drink made with fresh, pressed apples that are allowed to go through a fermentation process which can eventually lead to making apple cider vinegar.

Unlike Apple Juice, which is filtered and pasteurized, apple cider is often unfiltered and unpasteurized making it a seasonal beverage because of it’s short shelf life. Apple juice, on the other hand, is available year round and made to be shelf stable.

You can easily make apple cider at home but the process takes time so I created my own using a slow cooker to cook the apples and coax out the flavor along with spices giving it it’s signature fall flavor.

Super easy to make at home, this Slow Cooker Apple Cider recipe is the best around. Simple and fresh. TheSuburbanSoapbox.com
Super easy to make at home, this Slow Cooker Apple Cider recipe is the best around. Simple and fresh. TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

How to Make Apple Cider

Slow Cooker Apple Cider couldn’t be easier to make.  

  1. Throw some apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice and water into a slow cooker then simmer all day long.
  2. Mash everything up with a potato masher once it’s cooked and the apples are soft.
  3. Strain out the solids using a sieve and serve with some fresh sliced apples, a cinnamon stick or a splash or bourbon.

We love this programmable slow cooker with auto warm setting by CrockPot! It’s a great way to make dinners easy and keep them warm until you’re ready to eat. We pull this one out at least once a week and the price can’t be beat!

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Apple cider in a slow cooker being served with a ladle.

How to Store Apple Cider

  • To store apple cider, transfer to a pitcher or carafe and refrigerate. You can enjoy it either hot or cold.
  • To reheat apple cider, transfer to a pot and heat to a simmer.
  • You can freeze apple cider in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

We love using it to make an apple cider cocktail because it adds so much fall flavor.

three glasses filled with apple cider with cinnamon sticks on a distressed wood background with apples.

More Easy Apple Cider Recipes

It’s the best fall beverage around.  I’ll be serving my Slow Cooker Apple Cider for our Halloween party alongside some Oreo Truffles and mixing it into this Apple Cider Gin Fizz.  It’s fantastic in these Pulled Pork Sliders and in these completely addictive blondies!

Homemade Apple Cider in three footed glasses with cinnamon sticks and apple slice.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe

Yield: 8 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Homemade Apple Cider made in the slow cooker! Simple, easy and great for parties!
5 from 1 vote
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Ingredients

  • 5 pounds apples, cut into quarters (I used granny smith and HoneyCrisp)
  • 3 oranges, peeled if you want a less bitter flavor
  • 4-5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 6-7 cups water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Instructions 

  • Place the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a slow cooker.
  • Add the water to the slow cooker and cover.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
  • Mash the ingredients with a potato masher and cook for 1 hour longer uncovered.
  • Using a fine mesh sieve lined with a paper towel or cheesecloth and strain the cider discarding the solids.
  • Return the apple cider to the slow cooker, stir in brown sugar until dissolved and serve warm or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 202kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 15mg, Potassium: 408mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 40g, Vitamin A: 265IU, Vitamin C: 39.2mg, Calcium: 70mg, Iron: 0.6mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American