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Cozy Crockpot Mulled Apple Cider Cocktail – Easy Fall Drink Recipe

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A warm, spiced apple cider cocktail made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for fall gatherings. This set-it-and-forget-it recipe combines apple cider, citrus, and bourbon for a crowd-pleasing drink that fills your home with cozy aromas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon or whiskey
  • Optional: 1/2 cup apple brandy or Calvados
  • For garnish: apple slices, fresh rosemary sprigs, extra cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add the fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and stir.
  2. Add the whole spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries. Optionally bundle cloves and allspice in cheesecloth for easy removal.
  3. Arrange the orange slices on top of the liquid. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the cider, and add the pod.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the cider is deeply infused and aromatic.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the bourbon and apple brandy (if using). Let warm through on low.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  7. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs to remove whole spices and orange slices. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary sprigs.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and add an extra cup of apple cider with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Toast whole spices in a dry skillet for 1 minute before adding for extra depth. Do not boil the cider; keep it on low heat to avoid bitterness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled apple cider, crockpot cocktail, fall drink, slow cooker, bourbon, apple cider cocktail, warm cocktail, party drink

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/cozy-crockpot-mulled-apple-cider-cocktail-easy-fall-drink-recipe/