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This delicious Mulled Cider recipe is the taste of autumn and winter in a mug. This spiced tipple is easily made in the slow cooker (crock pot).
This Mulled Cider recipe is like a hug in a mug, and is perfect for cider lovers.
I can’t pretend it’s my favourite tipple, but on a hot day it’s refreshing, appley goodness does go down a treat. However, it goes off the menu as soon as those summer days fade away.
But using our slow cooker and adding a few ingredients, it makes a wonderful warm festive drink and an alternative to Mulled Wine.
Why you’ll love this Mulled Cider recipe
⭐️ Convenient for festive get-togethers
⭐️ Perfect for a special tipple
⭐ Aromatic scent and Christmas in a cup!
Sarah’s notes
If you fancy making Mulled Cider, the slow cooker is THE way to do it!
It’s easy – you just throw everything in – and doesn’t bubble away to nothing, which can sometimes happen if it’s on the stove and keeps it too hot for too long.
Once it’s cooked, this Slow Cooker Mulled Cider will sit happily on LOW for a few hours to keep warm and serve to guests.
Its mellow fruitiness is delicious, zesty and warming, with the unmistakable festive flavours of the star anise and cinnamon. Simply divine.
Mulled Cider Ingredients Notes
- Cider – You’ll need 1 litre of your favourite. A good quality dry cider will give you the best results
- Orange – Halve one orange and pop it into the slow cooker
- Spices – Add 5 star anise and 3 cinnamon sticks
- Lemon and ginger tea bags – Trust me on this! Two tea bags add loads of flavour
- Brandy – This is optional but adds something to the final drink. You could also use rum instead if you prefer
- To garnish each glass – I like to add a cinnamon stick, 2 star anise and a slice of orange to make it look pretty when serving
How to make Mulled Cider in a slow cooker
- Pour all of the cider into the slow cooker, then add the halved orange, star anise, cinnamon sticks and tea bags. Stir well.
- Place the lid on and leave for 3 hours on LOW.
- Strain the cider through a sieve, then stir in the brandy.
- Serve as per the recipe below.
Leftovers
In the fridge Leftover Mulled Cider can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Top Tips
Keeping it warm
Using a slow cooker for this Mulled Cider recipe also has the added benefit over not only mulling the cider but also keeping it warm until you are ready to serve. Just keep on low, with the lid off (which will prevent it overcooking or getting too hot. It also looks pretty!)
Add in some apple
If I’m leaving the Mulled Cider to keep warm in the slow cooker and serving straight from there to the glasses in front of guests, I like to add a few slices of apple for added interest.
Brandy
You can either add this in with the cider and allow it to cook, for a less strong alcoholic drink. If you prefer the alcohol ‘kick’ add it at the end, just before serving!
More christmas drinks recipes…
FAQs
A mulled drink is a drink which has been prepared with various spices. It’s usually been warmed to allow the spices to infuse into the liquid, leaving behind a delicious delicate flavour.
The spices I used to make this Mulled Cider are cinnamon, star anise and cloves. The spices are added to the drink while it’s being warmed to allow the flavours to infuse. It is then strained before serving.
You can make this Mulled Cider non-alcoholic by substituting the cider for a good quality cloudy apple juice, and removing the brandy.
Yes, you could make this Mulled Cider recipe by gently warming on the hob instead of in the slow cooker. It will need to be gently simmered over a low heat for about 1 hour. Do not let it boil.
Sure. Put the ingredients into the slow cooker, set aside, and cook when you’re ready to serve.
No. A slow cooker doesn’t get up to the temperature required to burn off alcohol, so the content should still be intact. Fear not!
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Mulled Cider {Easy Slow Cooker Recipe}
Ingredients
- 1 litre Cider
- 1 Orange, Halved
- 5 Star anise
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 3 Lemon and ginger tea bags
- 200 ml Brandy, Optional
To serve – per glass:
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Star anise
- 1 slice Orange
Instructions
- Set your slow cooker on to it its LOW setting.
- Pour all of the cider into the slow cooker pot.
- Add the halved orange, star anise, cinnamon sticks, tea bags and stir.
- Place the lid onto the the slow cooker and leave for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the cider through a sieve to remove any unwanted bits (or scoop them out).
- Stir in the brandy or rum (see notes).
- To serve, ladle into heat proof glasses or mugs (or leave to stay warm in the slow cooker), add a cinnamon stick, a large slice of orange, and 2 star anise to each glass.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi just wonder if you have a particular cider that you used, or if one works best. Cant wait to try this recipe. Many thanks Jane