Cuddle up and stay warm with a mug of spiced apple cider. This slow cooker apple cider is made from scratch and can be frozen to enjoy all winter long!
Fall and winter and apple season are upon us! Fall and winter are our favorite seasons when it comes to food and drinks. Apple sales are starting up which means you can get killer deals, so now is the time to stock up on your freezer supply of homemade apple cider. Throw it in the crockpot now, and enjoy it all the way through Christmas.
It is super easy to make a base apple cider and we love how you can alter it slightly for different occasions. Throw in a splash of orange and cuddle up for your first fireplace start-up of the winter. Add some caramel and whipped cream for a dessert drink. Whatever you decide to do, you’ve got to start with your base apple cider and this stuff is amazing. It is super easy and way better than that expensive jug you buy at the store. Go buy your apples by the bushel while the season is in full swing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple cider is typically less filtered than apple juice, resulting in a cloudier appearance and a more robust apple flavor.
Maple syrup or honey can serve as sweet alternatives. Both of these options are sweeter than brown sugar, so you will want to start out with only adding half of the amount called for, and then taste as you go.
Once your cider is finished, you can simply pour through a fine-mesh strainer or even cheesecloth. For an easier experience, we recommend placing the cloves and allspice into a small piece of cheesecloth, folded up and tied together with kitchen twine. When your cider is ready, simply remove the cinnamon sticks and cheesecloth bag with a spoon and you are ready to drink!
The orange slice is optional but adds a refreshing citrus undertone to the cider.
Yes, you can add alcohol to apple cider for a spiked adult beverage. Popular choices for spiked apple cider are rum, bourbon, and whiskey. Feel free to spike with your preferred liquor. As always, drink responsibly.
Apple Choices
We love a sweeter cider, so we use a mix of Gala and Red Delicious apples in this recipe. However, it is all up to your personal taste preferences. If you prefer a more tart cider, Pink Lady or Braeburn would be fantastic. You can also experiment with a blend of a few different varieties such as:
- Pink Lady
- Braeburn
- Fuji
- Jonagold
- Golden Delicious
- Jonathon
- McIntosh
- Cortland
Tips From the Chef
No slow cooker? No problem! Use your stovetop by simply combining all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-4 hours, following the rest of the steps as described.
Freezer Instructions
We love to make a large batch and freeze the leftovers to drink all fall and winter long. Simply let your apple cider cool completely and then pour into a freezer-safe gallon-size zippered bag. Lay flat in your freezer for easy storing and stacking. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use and drink within 8-12 months.
Storage Instructions
Store apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Drink the Season!
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Very good I added an orange and whole nutmeg I love flavors. Made 2 quarts and a cup of coarse drank the cup was very good I probably will do again I did use brown sugar and real syrup just right
The orange and nutmeg addition sounds delicious. Will try it next time 🙂 I have made cider with Rachel’s recipe from the old apple tree in my back garden. (I live in Norway).
I have made 2 batches for the first time tonight and currently letting them cool down and chill. The first batch I followed the recipe as is and it smelled amazing. The second batch I substitued 3 cups of water with 3 cups of everclear for a more adult beverage. Like anything cooked with alcohol the aroma can be a bit overpowering but with a trained nose I can tell it has the same smell as the first batch. I’m excited to have them cool down and chilled so I can taste them. If it’s a success I’ll be using this recipe a lot.
Sorry, Sam, but I don’t think it was a good idea to use everclear. That stuff is toxic. I think you should have used an unflavored vodka. Let us know how it tastes and who gets the sickest from drinking it.
It’s actually very good with Everclear Billie. A well-known recipe in Idaho! Obviously don’t make it if you don’t drink alcohol.
You made apple moonshine !
alcohol will cook out though
Can you use an a blender stick to mash apples.
Yes you can.
I would use McInstosh apples – they have a LOT more flavor than Gala would have!
Did you use the same amount as gala?
Not sure what went wrong for others because this recipe was great. I omitted the allspice and cloves and just added cinnamon sticks. I added fewer apples since my crockpot is small and didn’t get that punchy Apple taste but added some Apple juice just before straining. It was very tasty. Next time I’ll ensure to add less water for a stronger Apple flavour.
Can you can this using a waterbacth method?
I’m nowhere near an expert at canning so I hesitate to give you the go ahead one way or another. Canning is totally food science and can go horribly wrong so I simply can’t give an answer one way or another.
What is whole allspice? I thought allspice was a mixture of cinnamon nutmeg and cloves? So just like those 3 things in whole pieces??
Allspice is its own spice, not a combination of other spices. Don’t worry, it’s a common misconception. Whole allspice are tiny little round balls. Using whole spices in this recipe prevents the liquid from getting gritty and infuses the flavor straight in there without any powdery residue.
Where can you buy whole allspice? I don’t think I have ever seen it in stores before, but of course I haven’t really looked before either.
You should be able to find whole allspice in the spice section of most grocery stores.
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I made it for our neighborhood block party and they loved it. Will be making it again!!!
I made this recipe today! I am literally drinking a cup now and I love it!!! Smells amazing!
Is it safe to drink? Tons of information on unpasteurized apple cider on the internet. But none say if using the crock pot is the same thing. Does anyone know? Apparently pasteurized just means heating to a specific temperature.
Yes it is safe to drink. It has to be at 161 degrees for a very short amount of time. This recipe is more than adequate to meet pasteurization requirements.
yes totally safe to drink…. seeing as its apples
…. and you would typically eat them raw anyway