This cozy autumn drink delivers everything you want in a fall beverage: warm cinnamon, sweet apple, and a gentle spiced kick. It’s incredibly simple and forgiving — just add the ingredients to a slow cooker, let them mingle, and the crockpot keeps the cider warm for hours so guests can serve themselves.
I make this every October for book club evenings, football watch parties, Halloween gatherings, or quiet Sunday afternoons when friends drop by. It fills the house with a comforting aroma and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need
- Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- What to Serve with Spiked Apple Cider
- Answering Your Questions
- More Apple Recipes
- Printable Recipe
What You’ll Need
Use whole spices rather than ground cinnamon when possible; ground spices can make the drink slightly gritty. If you prefer a milder cocktail, start with 1 cup of spiced rum and add more after cooking. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and increase the apple cider or add a splash of orange juice for brightness.
This recipe serves about 8 people. You can double or triple the quantities if you’re serving a larger crowd.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, sliced into thin rounds horizontally
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 whole star anise (or whole cloves)
- 1½ cups spiced rum (you can substitute regular rum, bourbon, or whiskey; for a non-alcoholic version, omit and add more cider or orange juice)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- Caramel topping (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Halfway through cooking, taste the cider. If it needs more sweetness, stir in more brown sugar or a bit of honey until it suits your preference.
Step One: Add All Ingredients: Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add the sliced oranges and apples, cinnamon sticks, star anise (or cloves), and the brown sugar. Finish by pouring in the spiced rum or your preferred liquor. Stir gently and cover.
Step Two: Cook On Low: Set the slow cooker to low and let the cider warm for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally to help the flavors meld.
Step Three: Serve: Ladle the warm cider into mugs and, if desired, top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or an extra cinnamon stick for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cider in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or container; it will keep for about 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If you like, add a splash more rum just before serving.
What to Serve with Spiked Apple Cider
This cider pairs well with classic fall fare. Try a simple charcuterie board with cinnamon-sugar muffins, sharp cheddar, and crackers. A slice of pumpkin or apple bread, or a warm caramel apple dessert, also complements the flavors nicely.
- Charcuterie with cinnamon-sugar muffins, cheddar, and crackers.
- Sourdough pumpkin bread or apple cinnamon quick bread.
- Classic apple pie or an easy caramel apple cobbler for a sweeter option.
Answering Your Questions
Yes — simmer on low for about 30 minutes until the flavors meld.
No. Omit the liquor and increase the cider or add orange juice for a tasty non-alcoholic version.
Any variety works since you’re using cider as the base. Choose apples you enjoy eating for fresh garnish.
More Apple Recipes
If you love apple flavors, try these baking ideas alongside your cider: apple cider cookies, a moist apple cake with cream cheese frosting, apple cider slushies for warmer early-fall days, or a quick apple-cinnamon bread.
- Apple cider cookies
- Sourdough apple cake with cream cheese frosting
- Apple cider rum slushies
- Apple cinnamon quick bread
Printable Recipe
Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider
Katie Shaw
Download PDF
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
Slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 2 oranges (sliced thin)
- 2 apples (sliced into thin rounds horizontally)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional for garnish)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 1½ cups spiced rum (or other liquor of your choice)
- whipped cream (optional, for serving)
- caramel topping (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
Add ingredients. Pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced oranges and apples, then the cinnamon sticks and star anise. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and pour in the spiced rum. Stir to combine and cover the slow cooker.
-
Cook. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld.
-
Serve. Ladle the warm cider into mugs and top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or an extra cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Slice apples through the middle to create an attractive star pattern in the rounds.
You can substitute other spirits such as bourbon or apple brandy if you prefer.