Cozy Mulled Cider in a Crockpot (Set It & Forget It!)

There’s something magical about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and cloves swirling through your kitchen on a crisp fall day. This mulled cider in a crockpot wraps you up like a favorite blanket and makes everything feel just right. Whether you’re prepping for a Halloween bash or a lazy Sunday, this slow-simmered sip is pure comfort in a cup.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mulled Cider

There are a million reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but let’s start with the big three:

• Effortless cozy: Just toss it in the crockpot and walk away
• Smells like autumn: Your whole house turns into a cinnamon-spiced dream
• Perfect for gatherings: Serve it warm right from the pot guests will keep coming back for more

It’s the kind of drink that pairs beautifully with a creamy chicken lasagna soup or a batch of Halloween chicken parmesan sliders.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples

You probably have most of this already, especially if you’ve been craving fall flavors.

• 1 gallon apple cider (filtered is great, but unfiltered works too!)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons whole allspice
• 3 teaspoons whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 dashes ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, halved
• Cheesecloth or a coffee filter + butcher’s twine for the spice bundle

Looking for something sweet on the side? These cream cheese cookies go great with warm cider in hand.

How to Make Mulled Cider in a Crockpot

Step-by-step instructions

1. Pour the cider into your slow cooker
2. Add brown sugar and stir until it melts into the cider
3. Bundle the spices in a coffee filter or cheesecloth, then tie with twine so nothing sneaks out
4. Drop the bundle in, followed by the orange halves (cut side down for max flavor)
5. Cover and heat on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours until piping hot
6. Serve straight from the crockpot, leaving the orange and spice bundle in for extra depth

That’s it. Really. Your house smells like you’ve been baking apple pies all day, and your guests will never know how easy it was.

Tips for Best Flavor

• Use filtered apple cider for a smoother sip, or unfiltered for a more rustic vibe
• Toast your spices lightly in a pan for a richer aroma before bundling
• If you’re sensitive to spice, pull out the bundle after 2–3 hours to mellow it down

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This cider’s not just easy it’s flexible, too!

• Make it ahead: Brew it the night before, let it cool, then chill in the fridge
• To reheat: Gently warm it in a saucepan or pop it back in the slow cooker on LOW
• Storage: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days

Serve a warm mug of this cider next to cowboy soup for the coziest dinner pairing after a long day.

Variations to Try

Boozy Mulled Cider

Want to spike it a little? Add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or brandy before serving. Start with 1 ounce per mug and go from there your adult guests will thank you.

Spiced Tea or Cranberry Version

Looking to mix things up?

• Swap the cider with strong black tea for a spiced tea blend
• Stir in a cup of cranberry juice for a tart twist

Or try this with a light, fruit-forward treat like blueberry lemonade slushie to contrast the warm spices.

Serving Suggestions

Pour it into mugs and garnish with:

• A cinnamon stick
• An orange slice
• Maybe even a star anise if you’re feeling fancy

This cider is perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving brunch, or even Sunday meal prep.

FAQ

Try this cozy fall favorite and let your home smell like a cinnamon hug 🍂
Leave a comment if you make it, or save it for your next gathering!

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