Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

Thanksgiving is all about warmth, family, and food that makes the house smell incredible. And let me tell you—nothing fills a kitchen with more holiday magic than a big pot of slow cooker mulled cider. From the very first sip, you’ll taste sweet apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Even better, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a festive drink that impresses guests without keeping you glued to the stove, this is it. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about making this cozy drink—ingredients, tips, substitutions, and serving tricks that guarantee your Thanksgiving will be unforgettable.

Why Slow Cooker Mulled Cider is a Thanksgiving Essential

There are plenty of holiday beverages out there—eggnog, hot chocolate, even mulled wine. But here’s why this crock pot mulled cider deserves a permanent spot at your Thanksgiving table:

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything into your slow cooker, set it on LOW, and let it do its thing while you focus on turkey or pie.
• Crowd-pleasing: It’s naturally alcohol-free, so kids, grandparents, and everyone in between can enjoy it. (You can spike individual mugs later if you’d like.)
• Fragrance factor: The smell of apples, cinnamon, and cloves will hit your guests the second they walk in. Instant cozy vibes.
• Self-serve station: Keep your slow cooker on “warm” mode and let guests ladle mugs all night long.

That’s the beauty of this warm holiday cider—effortless, festive, and oh-so-delicious. And if you need inspiration for side dishes, take a peek at our Thanksgiving recipes.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Mulled Cider (and Easy Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a gallon of cozy spiced cider magic:

• 1 gallon fresh apple cider (unfiltered is best for rich flavor; apple juice works in a pinch)
• 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice (or ½ teaspoon ground)

Substitution Ideas

• Apple juice: If you can’t find fresh cider, a no-sugar-added juice works fine.
• Citrus swap: Try lemon for extra brightness or blood orange for dramatic color.
• Spices: Add star anise, nutmeg, or cardamom pods for complexity.
• Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can make it richer if your cider isn’t sweet enough.

The magic of this mulled apple cider recipe is that you can adjust to taste. Don’t stress if you’re missing one spice—just use what you’ve got.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Mulled Cider in the Slow Cooker

Making spiced apple cider couldn’t be simpler. Here’s the game plan:

1. Pour the cider into your slow cooker.
2. Slice the orange and ginger into thin pieces and add them in.
3. Add the spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice. If you have a large tea ball or spice bag, put the cloves and allspice inside—it makes cleanup way easier.
4. Cook on LOW for 4 hours. This gives the flavors plenty of time to mingle.
5. Switch to warm and serve directly from the slow cooker. Garnish with orange slices or extra cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

That’s it! Your festive mulled cider is ready to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Cider

Want to take your cider from good to unforgettable? Here’s what I recommend:

• Don’t boil it: High heat can make the cider bitter. Stick to LOW.
• Spice control: Too many cloves can overpower. Use sparingly and taste as you go.
• Add alcohol by the mug: If some guests want a kick, set out bourbon, rum, or brandy for self-serve add-ins.
• Make it pretty: Floating orange wheels and cinnamon sticks look gorgeous in the pot and cups.
• Keep it warm: Slow cookers have a “warm” setting that holds the cider at sipping temperature all evening.

With these tricks, your crock pot mulled cider will be the talk of Thanksgiving. And if you’re hosting, pair it with other apple dessert to pair with punch  for variety.

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Mulled Apple Cider

While cider is naturally sweet, it does have some surprising health perks when enjoyed in moderation:

• Vitamin C boost from oranges
• Anti-inflammatory power from ginger and cinnamon
• Hydration—it’s more refreshing than heavy creamy drinks like eggnog
• Lower calorie option if you skip added sugar and alcohol

On average, a cup of this warm cider comes in around 120–140 calories, depending on the sweetness of your cider. That makes it a lighter holiday drink option compared to cocktails or hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Looking for even more light choices? Check out our delicious cheesecake twist  to balance out the holiday feast.

Variations of Mulled Cider

One recipe, many directions. Here are some fun ways to customize this crock pot drink:

Spiked Mulled Cider

Add rum, brandy, or whiskey to individual mugs. This way, kids and non-drinkers can still enjoy the base version.

Cranberry Mulled Cider

Toss in a cup of fresh cranberries for tartness and color.

Herbal Twist

Drop in a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a savory note.

Sparkling Finish

When serving, top mugs with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy surprise.

The adaptability of this mulled apple cider recipe is what makes it such a keeper.

FAQs

Serving Ideas for Thanksgiving

Set up a little “cider bar” next to your dessert table. Keep the crock pot mulled cider on warm, lay out mugs, cinnamon sticks, and a bottle of spiced rum for those who want it. It keeps things interactive and festive without adding stress.

And don’t forget—the scent of mulled cider filling your kitchen is half the experience. It’s like having an edible holiday candle simmering all day long.

Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

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Description

Thanksgiving is all about warmth, family, and food that makes the house smell incredible. Nothing fills a kitchen with more holiday magic than a big pot of slow cooker mulled cider. Sweet apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and citrus—all made effortlessly in the crock pot.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 gallon fresh apple cider (unfiltered is best; apple juice works too)
• 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)

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Instructions

1. Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker.
2. Slice the orange and ginger into thin pieces and add them in.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice. (Optional: place cloves and allspice in a spice bag or tea ball for easy cleanup.)
4. Cook on LOW for 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
5. Switch to WARM and serve directly from the slow cooker.
6. Garnish with orange slices or extra cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider—it can turn bitter. Too many cloves can overpower, so use sparingly. Add bourbon, rum, or brandy by the mug if desired. Keep the crock pot on warm so guests can self-serve throughout the evening.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a drink that captures the heart of Thanksgiving—cozy, fragrant, easy, and welcoming—you can’t go wrong with slow cooker mulled cider. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty crock pot, you’ll create a beverage that feels like a warm hug in a mug.

So go ahead, add this mulled apple cider recipe to your holiday lineup. Your guests (and your future stress-free self) will thank you.

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