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.
Table of Contents
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:
- Combine: Add all of the ingredients to the crockpot, then stir to combine.
- Cook and serve: Cover and cook on low until hot, then serve immediately or keep warm.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider FAQs
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.
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.
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!
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
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
written by Ashley Fehr
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
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
Nutrition Information
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Kelli gilliam says
I have made this a couple of times. It was a hit both times! I used the pure, unsweetened juices and did not add the sugar. It is a little tart but very good! (Also, I don’t care for cloves so I reduced the amount)
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kelli!
recipebook says
Perfect drink on holiday!
Jerry Logan says
Wow this yummy, thanks for the lesson please , am really thankful with this , I will try it with my daughter.
Kitija says
Can I use fresh squeezed apple and orange juice?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! You just might find you need to add a little more sugar
Dode says
I made this for my niece’s bridal shower and it was a huge hit! It went so fast, it was gone before I was able to have a cup! Now it is requested for all our Fall get togethers.
Ashley Fehr says
I love that it went over so well! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Sam @ GadgetCouncil says
Looks tasty, I am going to try the recipe tomorrow, not sure I’ll be able to create something like in the picture.
Vicki Reese says
This looks wonderful, can’t wait to try it for my book club. As I have both how much allspice and star anise should I add?
Ashley Fehr says
I would just add a pinch and adjust as needed. It’s always easier to add than take away!
Linda says
Am I the only confused one? The picture shows fresh cranberries and sliced apples. But the recipe does not call for either. Huum, I think I’ll add fresh too
Ashley Fehr says
They are decorative, and easy to add if you desire.
Lisa says
I actually clicked on it for that reason. I was looking for a recipe that would use whole whole fresh fruits and from the pic it looked like this one did.
Elaine says
Ashley, I really like how simple this recipe is! And the result is outstanding! I also like the video recipe – quick and easy!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks!
Alyssa says
Hello! I am not able to find the unsweetened apple and unsweetened orange juices in my town. Is it possible to make this using regular juices?
Ashley Fehr says
Oh, definitely! You’ll just want to reduce or eliminate any other sweetener.
Joannie says
It loiks delicious! I wish to make it as a gift.. Can I put tne cider in glass bottle? How can I keep it and how many time?
Thanks a lot ?
Ashley Fehr says
You can definitely store it in a glass bottle. I likely wouldn’t keep it too long, maybe a week or two just to be safe.
Abbey says
It was delicious! I didn’t have enough apple juice, so I increased the oj and cranberry juice. I didn’t care for it that way. So when I reheated the leftovers, I made an apple cider from a packet then mixed it with your recipe. Much better! So I would definitely do it your way in the future!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m glad to hear it turned out well!
Deborah Vivona says
I JUST found your recipe…I want to make this for company Sunday! What DID you use for the star cut-out round slices ?
Apple slices,rounds? without coring? with tiny cookie cutter stars cut out?
I love the visual of your cranberry apple cider!
Nice photography 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Deborah! I just used thin apple slices and removed the core and seeds, and it just kind of makes a star shape! No cookie cutters required 🙂
Jamie says
In the picture you have sliced apples, and cranberries along with with the cinnamon sticks, is it nessacary to add the apples and cranberries or is that just for looks?
Ashley Fehr says
Just for looks!
Jamie says
Perfect, I am making things for the residents at the assisted living home I work at and they are not big on garnishes
Ashley Fehr says
No problem!
Robyn says
I’m making this right now for my little girls playgroup winter celebration!! It looks deeeeelicious! Thanks so much for the post! I think I’m just gonna have to make this a tradition In my house at xmas time!!❄ ?❄thanks again
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Robyn! I’m glad you like it!
Tina says
Does anyone have an idea of how much spiced rum I should add to this?
Jori Taylor says
One shot per mug is perfect.
Jori Taylor says
What I mean is…keep it virgin in the crock pot and add rum per mug so those who don’t want the alcohol can still enjoy the drink. And I prefer Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum:)
Mindy says
I am finding that a lot of cranberry juices while being 100% juice are actually a blend of a few different juices. Is a blend okay to use for this recipe or do you recommend a 100% all cranberry juice?
Ashley Fehr says
A blend is fine! It is hard to find 100% Cranberry juice
Mindy says
Great! Thanks 🙂
Christy says
Trader Joe’s has a great 100% cranberry juice. No added sugar.
Ayleen Santana says
Hi! If I want to add the slice of oranges, apples and the cranberries, those alterate the flavor or it doesn’t matter? I would like to add them, because I like more how you presented the recipe in the picture. Looks spectacular!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Ayleen! It doesn’t really alter the flavor because I used all of the same flavors that are already in the cider to garnish it.
Rebecca says
When should you add the garnish? While cooking or just prior to serving? Thanks in advance!
Ashley Fehr says
You could do either but it likely looks best just before serving
Liz says
Is this supposed to have allspice in it? I see it mentioned in the note, but not in the ingredients list. Assembled this tonight to heat up in the morning for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving dinner!
Ashley Fehr says
I think you could add it if you wanted! I didn’t have any, so I didn’t, but I thought it would be a nice addition.
Elizabeth says
This sounds lovely and I plan on making it for thanksgiving. I couldn’t seem to find sugar free juices tho. So I hope using regular juice will be fine and just omit the sugar.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, I think it will work just fine!
Marlene says
Has anyone tried cooling it and serving it over ice? I’m looking for a chilled drink but this sound delicious.
Ashley Fehr says
I think it would be great chilled!