Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe

When fall rolls around, there's no double that apple and pumpkin flavors reign supreme. There is just something about those two flavors together that warms our souls at any time of the year — but especially when the weather turns cooler, and the leaves begin to change colors. There's no better time than fall to enjoy a big old warm mug of apple cider.

Recipe developer Hayley MacLean of Happy Healthy Hayley came up with this wonderful apple cider made with the help of a slow cooker, making it easy and incredibly flavorful. "I love that this recipe tastes just like Autumn in a mug," MacLean raves. "The spices are so perfect for these cooler fall days, and they just warm the whole body through. Plus, it makes your house smell amazing white it is cooking!" This would be great for a tailgate, boo bash, or any other sort of gathering. Trust us on this one — it's a total crowd-pleaser! Keep reading to find out how to make this tasty recipe that will truly warm your belly.

Apples are one of the most popular fruits out there, and their flavor and juices are absolutely wonderful. This recipe contains a lot of apple juice, so we think it's worth mentioning just how good apples are for you. "Apples are full of vitamin C, and the spices used in this cider, like cinnamon and cloves, are high in antioxidants, making this drink a great alternative to things like soda," MacLean explains. "If you wanted to make it without brown sugar, you could substitute honey to sweeten to your liking!" What more is there to love?

Are you ready to get this apple cider party started? If so, the first thing you need to do is make a list of ingredients that you will need to whip up this tasty beverage. It comes as no surprise that one of the main ingredients on your list should be apple juice. In addition, you will need brown sugar and cinnamon sticks to add a lovely bit of flavor. Next, be sure to grab some whole allspice berries and whole cloves. You will also need a star anise and an orange. Once you have all of those items in front of you, you may begin.

Take out your slow cooker, and put it in a safe place on your counter. (Be sure no little hands or wagging dog tails can interfere with the cord, as this can be super dangerous if the contents spill out.) Then, take the lid off of the slow cooker, and toss in the apple juice first. Next, pour in the brown sugar and your cinnamon sticks. At this time, you can also add the allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. If you are keeping track, that's all of your ingredients aside from the orange!

Before you start the slow cooker, grab your orange and a cutting board. Thinly slice the orange, and then toss the slices into the slow cooker. This is also the time to add a little bit of booze if you want to make an adult version. "You could definitely spike this to make an adult version! I would add spiced rum, whiskey, bourbon," MacLean shares.

Now, turn on the slow cooker, and place the lid on the top. You can either cook this on high for one and a half to two hours or on low for three to five hours.

Once the timer dings, remove the whole spices and the orange slices from the liquid, and discard. If you want to serve this warm, it's good to go. Alternatively, you can pop it into the fridge, and serve it chilled. "I love serving this in a big mug with some cinnamon sticks, a star anise, and some cranberries for extra color — it is so festive," MacLean raves.

Have some cider left over? No problem! "This will keep in the refrigerator in a closed container (I used the original apple juice bottles!) for up to two weeks," MacLean shares. "After this, the sugars begin to ferment, and it will take on alcohol taste and begin to become carbonated!" Cheers to such a wonderful, seasonal drink.