What I'm Drinking: Slow Cooker Apple Cider

You'll be a hit at the party if you bring along this Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider. 

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to start featuring all sorts of peppermint and chocolate recipes. However, my calendar still says it's November, so I think I can get away with sharing this recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Cider.

My friends had a get-together recently and I wanted to bring along a warm beverage to share. This slow cooker hot apple cider is super-easy to make and gives off a delicious aroma, too.

When I first considered bringing along hot apple cider to share, I looked through a few recipes that actually start with whole apples. But I kind of wasn't in the mood for all that effort. This recipe starts with a gallon of (unsweetened) apple cider, but once you add a pile of spices to the mix, it will taste way better than it does straight out of the bottle.

I brought along a bottle of rum for folks to spike their own mugs of cider, but if you prefer, you could stir in a cup of your favorite booze (rum, bourbon, or brandy) before serving. Just make sure you let your guests know that it's been spiked before they imbibe!

Slow Cooker Apple Cider (printer-friendly version)
makes 12-14 servings

1 gallon unsweetened apple cider
5 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon cardamom pods
5 whole star anise
1 orange, sliced thin
1 apple, sliced thin
additional orange slices, apple slices, and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish

1. Add the apple cider to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks to the cider.
2. Place the spices in a tea infuser ball, or wrap in a double layer of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and tie closed with a string. Add the spice pouch to the cider.
3. Top the cider with the sliced orange and apple.
4. Heat on low for four hours. Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and sliced fruit for garnish.