Apple Cider

5 from 2 votes

This easy crockpot apple cider recipe is naturally sweet and filled with fresh apples, juicy oranges, and warm fall spices. Perfect for chilly days or festive parties.

Prep Time15

Cook Time3

Total Time3 15

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

Servings: (1-cup) servings

Calories: 241kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

3 pounds red sweet-tart apples (Honeycrisp and Gala apples used), quartered and cored
1 medium navel orange sliced into wedges
¾ cup light brown sugar packed
4 cinnamon sticks (approximately 2 ½-3 inches in length, plus additional sticks to garnish individual serving glasses)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole cloves (approximately 18-20)
½ teaspoon ground allspice
6 cups water

Instructions

Add the apples, orange, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, cloves and allspice to the insert of a 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover the fruit and spices with the water. There should be enough water to fully submerge the apples.
3 pounds red sweet-tart apples, 1 medium navel orange, ¾ cup light brown sugar, 4 cinnamon sticks, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, ½ teaspoon ground allspice, 6 cups water
Add the lid to the crockpot, set to LOW and cook for 6-7 hours (3-4 hours on HIGH) or until very soft.
Remove the cinnamon sticks from the crockpot. Using a potato masher, gently mash the softened apples and oranges to release more flavor. Allow the cider to cook for an additional 1 hour.
Place a large fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher or bowl, strain the mixture to remove the apple peel, orange slices and spices from the apple cider. Press as much liquid from the mashed fruit as possible using the back of a wooden spoon or a ladle. Discard the solid pieces. You may need to strain the cider in batches to prevent overflow and allow for easier pressing. For an extra smooth cider, place a cheesecloth over the fine mesh strainer and strain a second time to ensure no pulp or spices remain in the final apple cider.
Serve warm (ideally between 145°F-155°F) in individual mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch, if desired.

Notes

Storage:

To Store: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
To Reheat: You can reheat the cider on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips:

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor
Adjust spice amounts based on preference
If you skip the whole spices, cider will be less spiced and lighter
No crockpot? Use a large stockpot: simmer 2–3 hours, then strain
Want ultra-smooth cider? Double strain through cheesecloth
Crockpot “warm” setting keeps cider perfect for parties
To make it boozy, add 1–2 oz of dark liquor like whiskey, bourbon, rum, or brandy per serving

Nutrition