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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Cider Recipe with Easy Bourbon Option

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A warm, comforting slow cooker spiced cider with layered flavors of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and fresh citrus, with an optional bourbon kick for adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon (3.8 liters) apple cider, preferably fresh-pressed or high-quality store-bought
  • 4–5 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 3–4 whole star anise stars
  • 1 large fresh orange, sliced into rounds with peel on
  • 1 small fresh lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/2 to 1 cup (120–240 ml) bourbon (optional, added at serving)

Instructions

  1. Slice the orange and lemon into rounds, leaving the peel on. Peel and thinly slice the ginger (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pour 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of apple cider into the slow cooker. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of water to dilute slightly and help spices infuse.
  3. Add 4-5 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, and 3-4 star anise stars. Toss in the sliced orange, lemon, and ginger pieces.
  4. Stir in 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar if desired for extra sweetness.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld gently. Avoid high heat to prevent bitterness.
  6. After 3 hours, taste the cider. If too mild, cook for another hour. If too strong or sweet, add a splash of water.
  7. Remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and citrus slices using a slotted spoon or tongs to prevent bitterness.
  8. Ladle the spiced cider into mugs. For the bourbon option, add 1/2 to 1 cup (120-240 ml) bourbon per batch just before serving and stir gently.
  9. Optionally garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use whole spices to avoid cloudiness and grit. Add bourbon only at serving to preserve flavor. Adjust sweetness by adding brown sugar gradually. If no slow cooker, simmer gently on stovetop for 1-2 hours. Remove spices before storing to prevent bitterness. Leftovers keep up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker spiced cider, mulled cider, bourbon spiced cider, fall drink, warm cider recipe, cozy beverage, autumn drink, holiday cider

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-cider-recipe-with-easy-bourbon-option/