Description
A warm and comforting spiced apple cider cooked slowly in a crock pot with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, and fresh citrus and apple slices. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this cider can be served hot with optional whipped cream and caramel topping or chilled for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Cider Mixture
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp ground nutmeg
- 3 lemon slices (from 1/2 lemon)
- 3 orange slices (from 1/2 orange)
- 4 apple slices (from 1/2 apple)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 star anise pieces (up to 6)
Toppings (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a 5-quart crock pot set to low heat, add the apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon slices, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm the Cider: Let the mixture warm slowly for 3 to 4 hours. This slow heat extracts flavors from the spices and fruit, creating a rich and aromatic punch. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hot spiced cider into serving glasses. For an extra indulgent touch, top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce as desired.
- Alternative Chilled Serving: To serve chilled, after cooking, remove all fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise pieces. Store the punch in the refrigerator overnight. Optionally, add water if the cider is too sweet according to your taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by diluting the cider with water if it’s too sweet for your preference.
- Serve immediately after warming for the best aromatic experience.
- Spices like star anise and cloves can be increased or decreased to suit your taste.
- Use a crock pot or slow cooker to enable the gentle simmering of spices and fruit without boiling.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream and caramel enhance the flavor and presentation but are not required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spiced apple cider, warm apple cider, crock pot apple cider, holiday drink, fall beverage, slow cooker cider, mulled cider
