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fall slow cooker mulled cranberry cider - featured image

Fall Slow Cooker Mulled Cranberry Cider with Star Anise

  • Author: Eden
  • Total Time: 4 hours 7 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

A cozy, non-alcoholic mulled cider made with fresh cranberries, apple cider, and a complex spice blend including star anise and cardamom. This slow cooker recipe is effortless, aromatic, and perfect for chilly autumn evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon (3.8 liters) 100% fresh apple cider
  • 2 cups (225g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
  • 4–5 whole star anise pods
  • 3 large cinnamon sticks (or 1 tablespoon ground)
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 4–5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup, to taste
  • Orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the spices: Lightly crush cardamom pods and slice fresh ginger if using. Set aside.
  2. Combine liquids and fruit: Pour apple cider and orange juice into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add cranberries and lemon juice. Stir gently.
  3. Add spices: Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, allspice, and ginger to the slow cooker. Stir to distribute.
  4. Slow simmer: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours until cranberries burst and the house smells fragrant.
  5. Sweeten and adjust: Turn slow cooker to WARM. Taste the cider and add brown sugar or maple syrup one tablespoon at a time until balanced.
  6. Strain: Pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a serving pitcher to remove solids.
  7. Serve: Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve hot. Add rum or bourbon if desired.

Notes

Do not use ground spices as they make the cider gritty and muddy; use whole spices for a cleaner flavor. If using fresh cranberries, they may need longer simmering to burst. The cider can be frozen for up to 3 months. Do not boil the cider when reheating to prevent bitterness.

  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 24
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 1

Keywords: fall recipe, mulled cider, cranberry cider, slow cooker drinks, non-alcoholic mulled wine, autumn drinks, star anise cider, cozy recipes

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Find it online: https://dinnercraft.online/fall-slow-cooker-mulled-cranberry-cider-best-easy-recipe/