Description
Warm and cozy Crockpot Apple Cider infused with cinnamon, star anise, fresh apples, and orange slices, perfect for fall gatherings. Easily customizable to serve as a non-alcoholic drink or spiked with vodka or Fireball Whiskey for a festive adult cocktail, 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 Serving (Optional)
- 1 ounce vodka (any flavor) or Fireball Whiskey per serving
- Whipped cream for topping
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced apples, and sliced orange into a 5-7 quart crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Heat Mixture: Set the crockpot to high and heat the cider mixture for 2-4 hours or until hot and fragrant. Stir occasionally to meld flavors.
- Serve Plain or Spiked: For a non-alcoholic drink, ladle warm cider into mugs and serve as is. To make an adult cocktail, add 1 ounce of vodka or Fireball Whiskey to each mug, then pour 1-2 cups of warm cider over the spirit.
- Add Garnishes: Top each spiked cider drink with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and optionally add a cookie for garnish to complete the presentation and enhance flavors.
Notes
- This cider recipe is perfect for fall and makes a great beverage for large crowds when prepared in a slow cooker.
- Add star anise according to your spice preference; it is optional but adds a distinctive flavor.
- Adjust the amount of alcohol added based on personal taste and serve responsibly.
- Use vanilla-flavored vodka to complement the caramel and apple flavors if desired.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and add extra warm apple cider.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 249 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
