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Make Crockpot Apple Cider in the slow cooker for a warm and delicious fall drink. You can leave it plain or add caramel – or make spiked cider with your favorite alcohol. This is the perfect drink recipe!

apple cider in a clear glass with a handle and a cinnamon stick and whipped cream on the top.


Why you’ll love this recipe

Crockpot apple cider couldn’t be easier to make. I added the cider, and the other delicious ingredients to my crockpot and turned it on. It really is so simple! In the fall, you can find apple cider at every grocery store, but if it’s off season or you can’t seem to find it, check the refrigerated aisle.

I love any recipe that tastes and smells like fall, and the cinnamon and apple in this recipe makes that wish come true. This drinks sits in the crock pot all day to be cooked to perfection while it makes your house have the best fall smells all at the same time! It is so sweet and delicious and perfect with caramel!

ingredients in apple cider laid out on a marble counter.

Ingredients Needed

  • Apple Cider: Cider is important – don’t use apple juice for best results (it’s not as rich of an apple flavor).
  • Cinnamon Sticks: You have to have cinnamon spices with apple cider. I also used star anise (you can also add whole cloves).
  • Orange Slices: Add another amazing flavor that pairs well with apples and cinnamon.
  • Toppings: I love topping this recipe with whipped cream, cinnamon, apple slices, or caramel ice cream topping – You can use my homemade caramel recipe or grab it from the store.

Variation: SPIKED Cider

You can spike this recipe for an adult cocktail perfect for the cold months. I love this spiked with vanilla or whipped vodka or even fireball (cinnamon whiskey) for a little kick.

process shot of apple cider being made.

How to make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe

  1. Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and caramel ice cream topping in a 5-7 quart crockpot. Stir to combine. Heat on high for 2-4 hours or until hot. Serve plain or make an adult cocktail.
  2. For each adult cocktail: add 1 ounce vodka to a mug and top with 1-2 cups of cider. Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a cookie for garnish.
apple cider in a clear glass with a handle and a cinnamon stick on the top.

Expert Tips  

  • Add cloves to this Crockpot Apple Cider! It will taste amazing!
  • Other things you can add are maple syrup, cranberries
  • When it comes to what apples to use – we love gala or fuji. You can also use granny smith, honeycrisp, red delicious, golden delicious, and pink lady. Really anything works in this hot apple cider!
  • I love using vanilla vodka, but you can spike this caramel apple cider cocktail with so many different kinds of alcohol: bourbon, whiskey, or caramel vodka are just a few to choose from.
  • If you don’t want to use the crockpot, then pour some cider in a glass and add some caramel. Then heat it in the microwave. 

FAQs

Can you make Crockpot Cider ahead of time?

Yes you can! Make this recipe in the Crockpot and then keep it good in the fridge until you would like to prepare it! 

How do you store homemade apple cider recipe?

Store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge.

apple cider in a clear glass with a handle and a cinnamon stick and whipped cream on the top.

Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe

4.84 from 6 votes
Spiked Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider – Make caramel apple cider in the slow cooker for a warm drink that is perfect for a crowd. Then spike it with vanilla vodka for the adults! This is everyone’s favorite fall cocktail recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield 12 servings
Serving Size 1 cup
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Ingredients
 

Cider:

  • 6-8 cups apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole star anise (optional)
  • 2 apples sliced
  • 1 orange sliced

Serving:

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Instructions

  • Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, oranges, and apples in a 5-7 quart crockpot. Stir to combine. Heat on high for 2-4 hours or until hot. Serve plain or make an adult cocktail.
  • For each adult cocktail: add 1 ounce vodka to a mug and top with 1-2 cups of cider. Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a cookie for garnish.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

  • You can also add whole cloves (and omit star anise if you prefer)
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Sodium: 115mg | Sugar: 42g
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Author Dorothy Kern

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Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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4.84 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  2. Hi Dorothy,

    This sounds so good! I have never had vanilla vodka or caramel vodka

    but they both sound good. I use my crockpots year round. I have multiple sizes but I mostly use my 6-qt. Most stove top or oven recipes can be converted to crockpot cooking and the house stays cooler in the summer.

    I am definitely going to try this recipe. Is it mailable? If I put it in a shatterproof container and then bubble-wrapped that and then in another container (like cat’s Temptation treats canisters). I can add the little single bottles of vodka in the package. I live in TN and my mom lives in CA. She would love this and I can include it in her Christmas package. I don’t know how much it would separate and if it would be OK re-heated and re-stirred. If not, we’ll still enjoy it here. Thank you for your wonderful recipe and any input and advice. Leslie

    Reply

  4. It was 95 in San Diego yesterday and going to be 96F or more today. Serious heat wave and this is at the coast. I can’t even imagine inland!

    I would love to have a mug of this while I am trick or treating actually…unless it’s still 95 🙂

    Reply