A warm cup of homemade holiday cider makes a wonderful winter and holiday time drink to sip by the fire. It’s aroma is divine and the taste is spot on with that delicious cider spice! A traditional cider is typically made with just apples, turning into a hard cider with fermentation. This cider uses a few different fruits and spices to give a pleasant, non-alcoholic taste. The smell alone is enough reason to get this drink cooking at your next holiday party!
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What You Need For Crockpot Holiday Cider
This cider recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking only 5 minutes of prep work!
You’ll need a crockpot to cook down your fruits and spices. This slow cooking allows for a longer steep, bringing more flavor and nutrients out of the fruit and into your liquid. In addition, having it cook out of site, out of mind, and giving off such AMAZING holiday smells. It makes the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas party drink, even the kids will love it!
Ingredients For Cider
- Apples, any variety will do
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Cranberries
- Whole Cloves
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Filtered Water
- Sweetener of choice, such as honey, pure maple syrup or cane sugar
How To Make Holiday Cider
You’re first going to begin by washing and cutting up your apples, oranges and lemons. Just simple and quick slices will do. The peels of the orange and lemon can be removed if you don’t prefer the bitter taste they add. However, many of the nutrients that oranges and lemons are known for are actually contained in the rinds of the fruit. For this reason, I suggest leaving them on through the cooking process and just add a bit more sweetener to your cider.
Add your cut fruit to your crockpot along with the cranberries, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks. If you’re not a fan of cloves, they can be omitted completely or switched out for one of the following spices that still add amazing flavor!
Optional Spices
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Extra Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Allspice
Once your fruit and spices are combined, cover everything completely with filtered water. Add some sweetener and then set on low for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.
Once the initially cooking is done, smash all the fruits and cook an additional hour.
Next you could either strain your cider through a fine mesh, or blend all the ingredients for a thicker cider, though we do recommend removing the cinnamon sticks before blending. Sweeten to taste.
Enjoy warm or spice it up even further!
Optional Ingredients
Here are some of our favorite ways to spice up that classic cup of cider!
Carmel Sauce
Carmel is a perfect addition to a warm cup of cider. It adds sweetness and brings a delicious rich and smooth texture. Add it to a warmed cup of cider and top with whipped cream and more cinnamon! The kids will go nuts for it!
Ginger Beer
Ginger beer is great in cider when you’re looking for that extra kick! The beer adds extra spice, fizz and makes for a delicious mocktail!
Wine or Sparkling Water
Adding wine to your cider makes a wonderful and delicious fall sangria! Mix white wine with 2 to 3 cups of cider, a little brandy, and cinnamon stick. This makes a elegant yet tasty adult drink with all the holiday feels! For a non-alcoholic option, with the same warm and bubbly feels, add a 1:1 ratio of sparkling water or even sparkling grape juice to your cider.
Your Favorite Spirits
When you’re really craving that extra warm feeling, add some of your favorite spirits to your homemade cider. Brandy and rum always make a great pair with cider, but feel free to get creative and mix it up!
CrockPot Holiday Cider
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 Apples any kinds
- 1 Orange
- 1 Lemon
- 1 cup Cranberries
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 teaspoons Whole Cloves
- 1/4-1/2 cup Raw Honey, add more to taste
- 3-4 quarts Filtered Water
Instructions
- Combine everything into a crockpot, secure lid, and set on high for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, mash the fruit and then cook another hour on high.
- Add more honey if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
