(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Drinks

written by Ashley Fehr

4.74 from 56 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings 10

Jump to Recipe

Last updated on January 26, 2024

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.

(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
  • Slow Cooker Apple Cider FAQs
  • Tips and Notes
  • More Holiday Beverages You’ll Love
  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe

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.

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.
(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (3)

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!

(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (4)

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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Peppermint Mocha Recipe

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Crockpot Hot Chocolate — easy and homemade!

(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (9)

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Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider

written by Ashley Fehr

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.

(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (11)

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Review

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

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

US CustomaryMetric

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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(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (12)

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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lena says

    When did you garnish with cranberries and apples?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Lena! You can garnish it when you are ready to serve it.

      Reply

  2. Katie says

    Going to make this for a party tonight but seem to be having trouble finding the unsweetened versions of the juices. Is it going to mess with the flavor if I use the sweet versions? (Obviously I won’t be adding the additional sugar)

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Katie, I don’t think it would mess with it to much.

      Reply

  3. Anne says

    If you put whole cloves in instead of ground cloves- what amount would you put in?
    Also, how much whole allspice would you put in?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Anne, I’ve only tested the recipe as is, but I believe if you Google the conversions you’ll get an equivalent amount. Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  4. Danielle says

    are there cranberries in this recipe? I didn’t see them listed in the ingredients but saw them in the photo/

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Danielle, the fresh cranberries and orange slices are for presentation purposes. You are using cranberry and orange juice in the recipe itself.

      Reply

  5. Donna says

    Can you add Rum or another liquor for an adult drink with your recipe?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Donna, I am sure you could, I just haven’t tried it myself. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

      Reply

  6. Kathy Miller says

    Ooooh, I made this last week when we had company for dinner! It was so good! The only thing I changed was that I used apple cider instead of apple juice and used a little less sugar. It was a huge hit! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply

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(Crock Pot) Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider -- Easy Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook with apple juice or cider? ›

(When we tested the pH level of both liquids, the cider had a lower pH than the apple juice, confirming its higher level of acidity.) The bottom line: When it comes to cooking, don't swap apple juice for cider.

What does cranberry juice, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda do? ›

This easy-to-make detox drink is refreshing and will help flush out toxins from your body, boost your immune system, and support your digestive health. 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix everything and enjoy. Preferably, drink it on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before breakfast.

What is cranberry hard cider? ›

Cranberry Hard Cider

Our Unique blend of apples and New England cranberries strikes a delicate balance of sweet and tart. Ingredients: Fresh pressed Cider, Sugar, Malic Acid, Natural Flavor, Sulfites to protect flavor and freshness. Lightly carbonated.

Can you use windfall apples for cider? ›

The main ingredient to get started making your own cider is apples!! Traditionally, cider was made only using windfall apples (apples that had fallen to the ground via natural causes).

What makes cider taste better? ›

The slower the fermentation the better the cider will taste. It is really important not to exceed 27°C. When the fermentation has finished (the gravity reading on the hydrometer will be the same for a few days and will be under 1000 SG) siphon off the yeast into another clean sterilised container.

Is it OK to drink straight apple cider? ›

It's absolutely important to dilute ACV before consuming it. Having it straight can harm your teeth and esophagus.

How much apple cider vinegar should I mix with cranberry juice? ›

It's generally recommended to combine four ounces of pure cranberry juice with one to two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and top with six ounces of fresh water. It's crucial to avoid sugar-added cranberry juice, which can cause blood sugar imbalances and weight gain.

What can I mix with apple cider vinegar to lose belly fat? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar And Tea: Add a teaspoon to a tablespoon of ACV to your tea. The best options are green tea, ginger tea, turmeric tea, and chai tea. These teas combat inflammation and can help you to burn fat.

What happens when you mix baking soda with cranberry juice? ›

Baking soda is a base; so it will foam when it reacts to the acidic juice.

Is cranberry cider good for you? ›

It's easy to drink, but that's okay because it's full of free radical-fighting antioxidants and works to improve your health. So next time you're looking for the perfect cold weather drink to enjoy, opt for making your own cranberry apple cider.

What are the benefits of cranberry cider? ›

Health Benefits: According to ayurveda, cinnamon and cloves boost your digestion. Apples, cranberries, and lemons are loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants, which slow the aging process and keep your heart healthy. And their vitamin C content will keep your immune system strong all winter long.

Does cranberry and apple cider vinegar work? ›

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar enhances the antioxidant effects of cranberry juice, while the juice's properties improve the digestive and metabolic benefits of vinegar. This combination not only accelerates weight loss but also contributes to improved gut health and overall wellness.

What fruit is best to add to cider? ›

Using fruit other than apples in hard cider is common and adds great additional flavor. Some of the more common fruit selections are pear, cherry, peach and pineapple. Other options include mixed berries, blueberry, mango, blackberry.

How many apples to make cider? ›

Failing that, a large food processor will do the job if you've got a small number of apples to juice. Just bear in mind that you'll need around 10-15 apples per pint of cider, so don't come crying to us when you burn out the motor on your Magimix.

What pairs nicely with apple cider? ›

The Ultimate Food & Cider Pairing Guide
  • Squeeze. Tomato Based Dishes, Spinach Salad. ...
  • Raspberry. Sweets, Chocolates. ...
  • Berries. Soft Cheese, Crackers. ...
  • Caramel Apple. Apple Slices, Ice Cream. ...
  • Cranberry Orange. Grilled Meat, Pecan Pie. ...
  • Original. Nuts, Sharp Cheese, Grilled Brats. ...
  • Porch Sittin' Cinnamon. Donuts, Pear Slices.
Aug 5, 2022

Is cider good for cooking? ›

Most often you will find you will use cider for braising meat, in sauces and gravy or for pickling fruit. Mulled cider, a warming treat for Bonfire Night or Christmas, is made in much the same way as mulled wine and is best made using a dry, still farmhouse cider.

Can apple cider be used for cooking? ›

Tart, barely sweet, and with just the right acidity, cider is a perfect ingredient for fall cooking. It plays well with spices (coriander, black peppercorns, ginger), hearty herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme), mustard, bacon, and more.

Do you use apple cider or apple juice for hard cider? ›

It is almost always best to press fresh apple cider when making your own hard cider.

Why does apple cider taste better than apple juice? ›

Because it's not the same quality of fresh-pressed juice as cider. Apple juice is made from concentrate, a lower quality version of an apple's juice that doesn't deliver the same robust apple flavor as cider.

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