Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Cocktail with Cinnamon Sticks
A warm, spiced apple cider cocktail made in the slow cooker with bourbon, cinnamon, and citrus. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a quiet evening at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces (1.9 liters) apple cider
- 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon
- 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 to 3 star anise pods
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- Apple slices (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: rinse and dry it, place on a heatproof surface.
- Pour in the apple cider, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Add the bourbon and stir gently.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods.
- Place the orange and lemon slices into the cider, pushing them down slightly.
- Stir in the maple syrup (if using).
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours (or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours).
- After about 2 hours, taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
- While the cider simmers, slice fresh apple and prepare rosemary sprigs for garnish.
- Ladle the warm cider into mugs, garnish with apple slices and rosemary, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, cook on low for 3-4 hours. Avoid boiling. Can be made ahead and reheated. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add extra cider or ginger ale.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: slow cooker apple cider cocktail, warm apple cider, mulled cider, bourbon cider, fall cocktail, cinnamon sticks, slow cooker drink