Description
Warm and cozy Crockpot Apple Cider infused with cinnamon, star anise, fresh apples, and orange slices. Perfect for fall gatherings, this spiced cider can be enjoyed as a comforting non-alcoholic drink or transformed into a festive adult cocktail with vodka or Fireball whiskey, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole star anise (optional)
- 2 apples (sliced)
- 1 orange (sliced)
For Adult Cocktails
- 1 ounce vodka (any flavor) or Fireball Whiskey per serving
- Whipped cream for topping
- Caramel sauce for garnish
- Cookie for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place 6-8 cups of apple cider into a 5-7 quart crockpot along with 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole star anise (if using), sliced apples, and sliced orange. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Heat the Cider: Set the crockpot to high and cook the mixture for 2 to 4 hours or until the cider is hot and infused with the spices and fruit flavors.
- Serve Plain or Spiked: Ladle the hot cider into mugs. For plain cider, serve as is. For adult cocktails, add 1 ounce of vodka or Fireball whiskey to each mug and top with 1-2 cups of the warm cider.
- Add Toppings: Garnish the adult cocktails with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Optionally, add a cookie on the side for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use a 5-7 quart crockpot to comfortably hold the cider and fruit without spillage.
- If star anise is not available or preferred, you can omit it without affecting the overall flavor much.
- This cider can be made ahead and kept warm in the crockpot on the 'keep warm' setting for serving later.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka or whiskey and enjoy as a warm spiced cider.
- Adjust sweetness and spice by adding honey, brown sugar, or extra cinnamon sticks according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 249 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
