Warm and cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider is fruity, full of spices, and slow cooked to perfection in the crockpot. Grab a blanket or your favorite sweater and snuggle up with a cup!
Add the honey, spices, and cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker and stir to evenly distribute.
Wash the apples, orange, and cranberries (if using fresh).
Cut the apples vertically from the bottom to the top. Remove any seeds and stem. Add the slices to the slow cooker.
Cut the orange vertically into round slices and add to the slow cooker.
Add the cranberries to the slow cooker. Stir.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 8 hours.
After the cook time, use a wire mesh strainer to scoop out the spices, apples, and oranges. Hold the strainer over the crockpot and use the back of a spoon or a masher to press the apples and orange into the strainer to squeeze out excess liquid. Discard the large pieces of fruit. This will take 3-4 scoops and multiple presses depending on the size of the strainer.
Serve straight from the slow cooker into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, more apple slices, and star anise.
Notes
I recommend using gala or granny smith apples, or a combination of both.If you prefer sweeter cider, you can use up to 1/2 cup of honey.Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days (strain before refrigerating).Cider can also be frozen up to 6 months in a freezer safe container.