Ingredients
- .5 Orange(s)
- 6 Inches Cinnamon Sugar
- Ginger
- 1 tsp Allspice
- 8 Cup(s) Apple Soda
- 1 Cup(s) Apple Brandy
- 1/4 Cup(s) Honey
Instructions
- Tie orange peel. cinnamon. Ginger root. and allspice in an 8-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. -- Combine apple cider or juice. apple brandy (if desired). and honey in a 3.5-. 4-. or 5-quart crockery cooker. Add spice bag. Cover and coo
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Mulled drinks, especially those based on cider or wine, have roots stretching back centuries, particularly in regions where cold weather necessitated warm beverages. These communal drinks were often spiced to enhance flavor and perceived medicinal properties, evolving from ancient Roman spiced wines to the Wassail bowls of medieval Europe. The modern crockpot version is a testament to convenience, bringing an old tradition into contemporary home entertaining.
This drink fits squarely into the hot punch family, sharing lineage with classic Grog, Hot Toddies, and other mulled wine or cider preparations. What sets the Crockpot Mulled Cider apart is its emphasis on hands-off, slow cooking. Unlike a stovetop mulled drink that needs more monitoring, the crockpot allows for gentle, consistent heating, making it ideal for large batches and sustained serving.
You would serve or encounter a Crockpot Mulled Cider at a ski lodge après-ski, a holiday open house, or a backyard bonfire party. It is the kind of drink that fosters conviviality and keeps guests warm on a crisp evening. Think casual, festive gatherings where comfort and ease are paramount, rather than a formal cocktail bar setting.
What it tastes like
The initial sip delivers a burst of warm, sweet apple, quickly followed by the comforting embrace of cinnamon and allspice. Mid-palate, the ginger adds a gentle, warming spice kick, balanced by the mellow sweetness of honey. The finish is smooth, with the apple brandy providing a subtle boozy warmth that lingers alongside the aromatic spices, leaving a pleasant, autumnal aftertaste.
With 1 cup of apple brandy in a total of 9 cups of liquid, this Crockpot Mulled Cider clocks in at around 4.4% ABV. To put that in perspective, it is roughly equivalent to a moderately strong beer. It is considerably less potent than a standard single-serving cocktail, making it a perfect sipper for extended enjoyment without overdoing it.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward. Start by creating your spice bag: tie the orange peel, cinnamon stick, ginger root, and allspice into a piece of cheesecloth. This keeps your cider clear and makes for easy removal. Next, combine the apple cider or juice, apple brandy, and honey directly in your crockpot. Add the spice bag, cover, and set it to low. Allow it to warm through gently for at least an hour before serving.
The most critical technique for any mulled drink is to keep the heat low and never let it boil. High heat will rapidly cook off the alcohol, diminishing the drink’s intended warmth and character. It can also extract bitter notes from the spices, leading to an unbalanced flavor. Gentle simmering is key to infusing the flavors and maintaining the integrity of the brandy.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Apple Brandy
- Use
- Look for a good quality apple brandy like Laird’s Applejack or a French Calvados. These provide a rich, complex apple flavor with a pleasant alcoholic kick, typically around 40% ABV.
- Skip
- Avoid apple schnapps or apple-flavored vodkas. These are often overly sweet, artificially flavored, and lack the depth and character that true apple brandy brings to the drink.
- Why
- Apple brandy is the boozy backbone of this cider. It deepens the apple flavor profile and provides a warming alcoholic component that complements the spices without overpowering the cider’s natural sweetness.
Whole Spices
- Use
- Opt for whole cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger root, and whole allspice berries. Using fresh, whole spices ensures a clean, vibrant flavor infusion without clouding the cider. Use good quality cheesecloth for the spice bag.
- Skip
- Do not use ground spices directly in the crockpot. They will create a muddy, unappealing texture and can be difficult to strain out, often leaving a gritty residue. Pre-made mulling spice mixes can also be stale or contain inferior quality ingredients.
- Why
- The whole spices are essential for the ‘mulled’ character of the cider. They provide aromatic complexity, warmth, and depth, infusing their essence slowly and gently into the liquid without contributing bitterness, provided they are not overcooked or ground.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Spiced Rum Cider
- A darker, sweeter twist.
- Swap the apple brandy for an equal amount of dark spiced rum. This adds notes of vanilla, molasses, and additional baking spices, creating a richer, more robust flavor profile.
Non-Alcoholic Spiced Cider
- Warm comfort for all.
- Simply omit the apple brandy for a family-friendly version. To add a touch of complexity and brightness, a splash of apple cider vinegar (about 1 tablespoon) can mimic some of the brandy’s tartness and depth.
Cranberry Mulled Cider
- A festive tartness.
- Substitute 2 cups of the apple cider with cranberry juice. This introduces a pleasant tartness and a beautiful ruby hue, making the drink even more festive and bright.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
A few strips of lemon peel can offer a similar citrus aroma, or you can omit citrus entirely.
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon tied securely in the cheesecloth, but be aware it might make the cider slightly cloudy.
Dried ginger pieces can work, or if you must, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in the spice bag. The fresh ginger’s zing is hard to replicate.
A good quality bourbon or dark rum can serve as a suitable substitute, offering warmth and complementary flavors. A dry red wine like a Merlot can also work for a different character.
Combine all ingredients in a large pot on the stovetop. Heat over the lowest setting, stirring occasionally, until warm. Do not boil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Crockpot Mulled Cider?
A Crockpot Mulled Cider typically contains apple cider or juice, apple brandy, honey, orange peel, cinnamon stick, ginger root, and allspice.
Can I make Crockpot Mulled Cider without alcohol?
Absolutely. Simply omit the apple brandy from the recipe. The drink will still be flavorful and warming.
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Apple juice can also be used for a slightly sweeter and less tart result.
How long can Crockpot Mulled Cider stay warm?
In a crockpot set to ‘warm’ or ‘low’, mulled cider can stay warm and delicious for several hours, typically 2-4 hours, without significant flavor degradation or alcohol evaporation.
Can I prepare the spice bag ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the spice bag a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container until you are ready to add it to the crockpot.
What are good garnishes for Mulled Cider?
Common garnishes include a fresh orange slice or wheel, a cinnamon stick, or a few whole star anise pods for visual appeal.
Why use a spice bag?
A spice bag contains all the whole spices, allowing their flavors to infuse into the cider while keeping the liquid clear and making for easy removal when the desired flavor is reached.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole?
It is not recommended to use ground spices directly in the cider as they will make the drink cloudy and difficult to strain. If you must use them, tie them very securely in a fine mesh cheesecloth bag and use them sparingly.
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The instructions were clear and easy to follow!
This was a perfect treat!
This was so refreshing!
This Crockpot Mulled Cider recipe is a cozy hug in a cup! Perfect for chilly nights.
This Crockpot Mulled Cider recipe is a cozy hug in a mug! So warm and delicious.
This Crockpot Mulled Cider recipe is a cozy hug in a cup! So warm and spicy!
This Crockpot Mulled Cider recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly night! So cozy and delicious!
This Crockpot Mulled Cider recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day! So cozy!