Easy Crockpot Apple Cider

This easy crockpot apple cider is the must-have drink for this fall and winter! It has all the right spices and flavors and will warm you right up on those cold winter days! It’s perfect for any holiday party or gathering!

When fall comes around, and it’s time for apple recipes, I get so excited! I have so many delicious ones that you MUST TRY. These Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are insanely delicious, and so are this Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake and these Air Fryer Apple Chips!

Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe

As soon as it gets cold outside, I crave apple cider and hot chocolate! Making hot apple cider in the crockpot is one of my favorite things to do because you get a ton of cider, and your home will smell delicious all day long. It’s a great idea to get some cider going in the crockpot when you are having a party or hosting guests — everyone will love the smell of your home and the taste of the cider! It’s a win-win!

This cider actually starts with store-bought apple cider! This might sound strange at first, but honestly, this is my favorite “hack,” and people ask me for the recipe EVERY TIME I bring it somewhere. In fact, I’ve had many tell me it’s the best cider they’ve ever had! This is definitely not a recipe you want to forget about this fall season.

Ingredients in Crockpot Apple Cider

Because this recipe uses store-bought apple cider, a few ingredients are all you really need to make it taste extra delicious (and not so tart). Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Cinnamon Sticks: You can’t have apple cider without a cinnamon flavor!
Whole Cloves: The whole cloves will add flavor. You will take them out once the cider is ready to drink.
Whole Allspice: The allspice is a classic fall flavor that really stands out in this apple cider.
Apple Cider: You can buy this at the store in the section with all of the juice!
Light Brown Sugar: Apple cider can be tart on its own. The brown sugar sweetens it up a bit.
Orange Slices: These add a deliciously bright flavor to complement the cider.

How to Make Crockpot Apple Cider

This recipe is so easy and only takes four steps! It doesn’t get much better than that! Once you see how easy and delicious this is, it will become a staple at all of your holiday festivities throughout the season!

Pour Cider: Pour the cider into the crockpot. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add Spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and sliced orange to the crockpot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low or for at least 2 hours for the flavors to cook through. Feel free to allow the apple cider to warm through on low until ready to serve.
Strain: When you’re ready to serve the cider, discard the spices, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices using a small strainer to remove them.

2 pictures showing a crockpot of apple cider and the ingredients laid out on the counter, ready to go in.

Tips and Variations

You might want to keep a few things in mind when making this crockpot apple cider to make sure that it turns out delicious and perfect! Here are a couple of helpful tips!

Do I have to use whole spices? Yes! Using whole spices allows them to slowly infuse their flavors while cooking in the crockpot. Then, you can take them out at the end, and you are left with a smooth and delicious hot drink!
Garnish: When my apple cider is done cooking, I like adding some extra apple slices and orange slices to the top to make it look beautiful and add a bit of fresh flavor.

A measuring cup filled with apple cider.

Can You Make This Ahead of Time?

This crockpot apple cider is great to make the day of any get-together or gathering because it smells up your whole house! But lucky for you, this also can be made a day or two ahead and just warmed up in your slow cooker. Once your apple cider has been made, then you can store it in your fridge for up to 5 days!

a mason jar with a handle filled with apple cider and topped with a cinnamon stick.