I grew up skiing in Deer Valley and have memories of the world’s best hot apple cider served across all the dining spots on the mountain. For me, hot apple cider is nostalgic so this spiced slow cooked hot apple cider has a special place on my holiday menu. As I grew up I’d serve it spiked with rum as a pre dinner drink when entertaining and, of course, make the classic version for the kids who are likely growing up with equal nostalgia. The best part about making this is the sweet and spicy smells of the season that ooze from your kitchen when you brew the cider. Making it in a slow cooker amplifies this experience and scents your kitchen and your senses for hours…hmmmm. Also, a quick note on ingredients. I can’t always find apple cider and that sucks because sadly this is really just better with cider than with regular apple juice.
However, don’t ruin your day over it. If you too have trouble finding cider just swap apple juice. It’s less amazing but it will be fine. And if you spike it with some bourbon or rum you won’t remember it much anyway so…you got this.
Spiced Slow Cooked Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 star anise
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp of whole cloves
- 2 oranges + more for garnish sliced
- 2 lemons + more for garnish sliced
- 1 liter good whiskey or bourbon
Instructions
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Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, oranges, and lemons to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
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Take out all of the whole spices, oranges and lemons before serving. Pour in whiskey or bourbon. Stir and serve. Garnish with sliced orange and lemon.
This recipe was adapted from Cooking for Keeps Spiked Crockpot Apple Cider recipe.
