Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10

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This Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is made with the perfect combination of apple, cranberry, and orange juices. It’s warm, sweet, cozy, and perfect for your next Thanksgiving or Christmas party.

slow cooker cranberry apple cider in black crockpot with apple slices orange slices cinnamon sticks and cranberries

Cider has never really been something my family has at our holiday gatherings. But after making this Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider, I think you can count on it being at every holiday get-together from here on out.

I’ve had traditional apple cider, and it’s delicious. But I have to say, I do enjoy a good flavor twist. And I love any recipe made with cranberry!

For this apple cider recipe, I used pure, unsweetened juices with just a bit of sugar so you can control the added sweetness and sugar. This drink is warm, cozy, and perfect for the holidays!

Love cranberries? Try this Orange Cranberry Bread or these White Chocolate Cranberry Sweet Rolls next!

Ingredients Needed:

  • Juice: we’re using a combination of pure, unsweetened apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
  • Sweetener: I usually use granulated sugar, but feel free to use another sweetener like stevia or honey.
  • Spices: we’re using whole cinnamon sticks and ground cloves to give the cider a bit of sweet, spicy flavor.
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How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

Any recipe I can prep in 5 minutes is one I want in my life! Here’s how to make this super simple cider:

  1. Combine: Add all of the ingredients to the crockpot, then stir to combine.
  2. Cook and serve: Cover and cook on low until hot, then serve immediately or keep warm.
mug of cranberry apple cider in hands with toothpick across holding apples and cranberries

Slow Cooker Apple Cider FAQs

How do you keep Apple Cider warm at a party?

You can keep the cider warm in the crockpot, which makes it super convenient to make ahead of time for a holiday party. Just make it as instructed, then leave it in the crockpot on the “low” or “warm” setting.

Can this be made on the stovetop?

You can! It just may not be as flavorful since the spices will have less time to infuse into the cider. To make the cider on the stove, add everything to a large pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and warm for 30 minutes.

How to store:

Leftover Cranberry Apple Cider will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge. To reheat, warm on the stove on low until heated or microwave single servings in microwave-safe mugs!

overhead image of slow cooker with cider in it and apple slices orange slices cranberries and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Tips and Notes

  • Use whole spices if you can. They soak in the cider and infuse so much delicious flavor without any risk of graininess.
  • If you can’t find whole spices, ground should work. I would never add ground spices to a cold drink, but they should dissolve completely as the cider heats, so it works just as well.
  • If you use ground spices and you notice clumps in the finished cider, simply strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  • Add other seasonings. Spice things up even more with allspice or fresh ginger.
  • Make it boozy. Feel free to spike your cider with a couple ounces of rum, bourbon, or whiskey!

More Holiday Beverages You’ll Love

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

4.74 from 56 votes
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is made with the perfect combination of apple, cranberry, and orange juices. It's warm, sweet, cozy, and perfect for your next Thanksgiving or Christmas party.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Drinks
Servings 10
Calories 129cal

Ingredients

  • 1 liter apple juice pure unsweetened
  • 2 cups orange juice pure unsweetened
  • 1 liter cranberry juice unsweetened
  • 1/4-1/2 cup sugar (stevia, honey or other sweetener) (to taste)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks whole
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a 4 quart or larger slow cooker. Stir.
  • Cook at least 3-4 hours on low or until hot. Keep warm as long as needed on the low or warm setting.
  • *Leftovers refrigerate wonderfully and reheat just fine!

Notes

I was going to add whole cloves and allspice, but I couldn’t find any! I would never add ground spices to a cold drink, but the ground spices dissolve completely as the cider is heated so it works just as well. If you can find ground cloves and allspice and want to go that route, it would also be amazing!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 129cal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 281mg | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. Candace says

    Yum! I plan on making this for my daughters first birthday party at the end of October! I’m making for about 25 people so I’m guessing I need to triple the recipe. Do you think it will all fit in one crockpot? I have a 6 quart. Thanks!!

  2. April Reany says

    Made it just as your recipe says and it was absolutely fantastic! I am making a large batch for an autumn church event and will also be making it for my friend’s Fall bridal shower. Thanks for sharing!

  3. Alicia says

    The cranberries, apple and orange slices in the picture make the cider look very nice. But, I don’t see those in the recipe. Did you just add those for the picture or would you add those normally? If not just for the picture, are they added right before serving or earlier?

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Hi Alicia! They’re definitely not necessary, but feel free to add them before serving if you want to dress up your cider! I added them just for photos so you knew what you were looking at 🙂

  4. Courtney says

    I have a couple of questions. Can I use regular sugar instead? If so, would it be the same amount? Also, is this more tart or more on the sweet side? Thanks.

  5. Dorothy Dunton says

    Hi Ashley! Not only does this sound delicious, the aroma that will fill the house will be the best! 🙂

  6. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    Ashley, I can leave a comment! hooray! I am seriously loving all these slow cooker recipes I am seeing for Thanksgiving! now, I just need like 3 more slow cookers! 😛 I love this cranberry apple cider! beautiful!!!! and festive! love this!

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