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Cup of slow cooker apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick, apple slices, and orange slices.
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Homemade Apple Cider

Making homemade apple cider in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. It’s made with fresh apples, oranges, and warming cinnamon, and since you control the ingredients, you can make it as sweet or spicy as you like. As it simmers, your whole home will smell incredible, and you’ll love how versatile it is for serving all season long.
Prep Time20 minutes
5 hours
Total Time5 hours 18 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Cider, Homemade Apple Cider, Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Servings: 8 cups
Author: Olivia Ribas

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 10 medium apples a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works well, quartered
  • 1 orange quartered
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar*
  • Water
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Wash the apples and orange well. Quarter the apples and oranges (no need to peel or core).
  • Place the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and sugar into the slow cooker. Then, add enough water to cover the fruits.
    Slow cooker filled with apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and water for homemade apple cider.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the apples are very soft and the flavors have melded.
    Mashed cooked apples and oranges inside a slow cooker.
  • Use a potato masher to mash the softened apples and orange into the liquid to release more flavor. Then cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
    Mashed cooked apples and oranges inside a slow cooker.
  • Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully pour the cider through to remove solids. Discard the fruit pulp and spices.
    Cheesecloth placed over a large bowl of homemade apple cider.
  • Pour the cider back into the slow cooker to keep it warm. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (add more sugar or honey).
    Homemade apple cider in a slow cooker bowl.
  • Serve with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
    Cup of slow cooker apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick, apple slices, and orange slices.

Notes

*You can adjust the sugar to taste depending on how sweet your apples are.
How to Store: Store homemade apple cider in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating. You can also freeze it (leave room for expansion) for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat: Reheat homemade apple cider on the stovetop over low heat until warm (don’t boil), since boiling can make the cider lose its fresh flavor and natural sweetness, and the spices can become bitter.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 | Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 32g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg