Mulled Cider – Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

 This delicious Mulled Cider recipe is the taste of autumn and winter in a mug. This spiced Cider is easily made in the slow cooker (crock pot). 

I can’t pretend cider is 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.

I love mulled wine too but, that spells Christmas and I’m not quite ready for that yet. So, it got me thinking of a Mulled Cider recipe to bridge the gap.

Also, anything that fills the house with delicious seasonal scents like this does, gets my vote every time.

I made this Spiced Mulled Cider in the slow cooker, it’s the perfect thing to leave cooking away on low. It will then be ready for the grown ups after a crisp Autumn walk, or even Halloween trick or treating. There has got to be some treats for the parents too  right?

It’s mellow and fruity flavour gives you a delicious warming glow.

How do you make Hot Mulled Cider?

To make Mulled Cider, gently warm your cider with aromatic spices until fully infused. I use Lemon and Ginger teabags to add more flavour.

Then remove the teabags and other aromatics and add brandy or rum. (You can use whichever you prefer and have to hand. I LOVE this with Captain Morgan’s Spiced rum if you have any. Don’t buy it especially, but it does add extra flavour.)

Decorate with fresh slices of orange, cinnamon sticks and star anise.

What does it mean to Mull Cider?

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 whilst it is being warmed to allow the flavours to infuse. It is then strained before serving.

 

Can I make a non Alcoholic version of Mulled Cider?

You can make this Mulled Cider none alcoholic by substituting the cider for a good quality cloudy apple juice, and removing the brandy.

 

What I used to make this recipe:

• I serve my Mulled Cider in these heatproof mugs from Amazon. They are about £6 for a set of 4 and I’ve had mine for years and the children love using them too as they are chunky and sturdy (obviously not for mulled cider!).

• I bought this slow cooker (crock pot if you’re in the USA) last year and our love affair continues!I’ve never been a big slow cooker fan but this has made such a difference, I’ve used it SO much. It’s light and easy to lift, really affordable too and the pan can be used on the hob as well as in the slow cooker, hurrah! Available from Amazon: Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker.It’s currently about £23 instead of £32.

 

Tips for making the Slow Cooker Mulled Cider:

• You could make this Mulled Cider recipe by gently warming on the hob instead of in the slow cooker.
• 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!)
• A delicious good quality dry cider will give you the best results.
• You could also add rum rather than brandy, whichever you prefer and have available.

• To impress your visitors you can garnish your Mulled Cider with slices of orange, a cinnamon stick and some star anise.
• 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.
• Leftover Mulled Cider can be stored in the fridge for upto 3 days.
• If you are making this recipe on the hob it will need gently simmering over a low heat for about one hour. Do not let it boil.

 

 

If this recipe tickles your fancy then have a look at my Baileys Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe or Advocaat Hot Chocolate recipe… Also the perfect pick me ups for the crisp, wintery days ahead.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. I’d love to know how you got on and what you thought of it if you make this recipe. Please rate the recipe and leave me a comment below if you do.

Also, if you fancy showing me a photo by tagging me on Instagram (@tamingtwins) I LOVE to see your creations.