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This is the easiest mulled apple cider made in a slow cooker! Just add the ingredients, set it, and let it infuse. It will be warm, spiced, and ready to serve by the time your guests arrive. It’s filled with all the cozy fall flavors we love.
Looking for more apple cider recipes? Try my Apple Cider Moscow Mules, Apple Spritz, Apple Cider Slushie, or browse my full collection of apple cider cocktails!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItThere’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, cozy sweaters, golden leaves, and of course, apple everything. I always start the season with a batch of slow cooker mulled apple cider.
It fills the house with the best fall aroma and takes me right back to those dreamy Knoxville autumn days.
When I’m in the mood for something a little richer, I’ll make my red mulled wine instead—it’s just as cozy and perfect for chilly nights.
If you love fall flavors as much as I do, definitely try my Apple Cider Donuts or my Apple Cider Slushie—they’re both cozy-weather essentials.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Ingredients
- Apple Cider – Use good-quality cider for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks – Adds warmth and classic fall spice.
- Cardamom Pods – One of my favorite spices (also amazing in apple cider donuts!).
- Allspice – Optional, but adds great depth if you have it.
- Peppercorns – Whole peppercorns give a gentle kick.
- Fresh Ginger – Adds a fresh, zippy flavor.
- Lemon Slices – For a bit of citrus brightness.
How to Make Mulled Apple Cider
- Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker.
- Add the cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, peppercorns, fresh ginger, and sliced lemon.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–5 hours and skip boiling, it keeps flavors fresh.
- To serve, scoop around the whole spices and add a cinnamon stick or star anise to each glass for charm.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Pop in a clove-studded orange – It’s cute and adds the best citrus-spice flavor.
Make it boozy – Add a splash of bourbon, whiskey, or rum for an adult version—so good on chilly nights.
Sweeten the deal – A drizzle of maple syrup or caramel turns this into dessert in a mug.
Mix and match – Use your favorite fall spices—cinnamon, star anise, ginger, or toss in a few cranberries for color.
Use homemade mulling spices – You can prep these ahead and keep them on hand for cider, wine, or even gifting. They smell amazing and make the cutest fall gift!
How to Store
Let the cider cool completely, then pour it into an airtight container or mason jar. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving—your home will smell like fall all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but the flavor will be lighter and sweeter. Apple cider is unfiltered and has more depth, which works best for mulling.
Yes! Just combine the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a simmer (not a boil), then reduce heat and let it steep for 30–45 minutes.
Use your slow cooker’s “keep warm” setting so guests can help themselves all evening. Add a ladle, festive mugs, and a garnish bar with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or star anise.
You can use a spice bag or tie the spices in cheesecloth for easy removal before serving. This keeps the cider clear and mess-free.
More Apple Cider Cocktails
If you make this slow cooker mulled apple cider, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment and rating below—I love hearing from you. And don’t forget to tag @sugarandcharm if you share it on Instagram!
For more fall drink ideas, check out my apple cider cocktails, Thanksgiving cocktails, and cozy fall sangria.
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Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp peppercorns
- 2 tbsp cardamon pods
- 2 whole star anise
- 4 inch ginger, sliced and peel removed
- 1/4 tsp salt, adds extra flavor and enhances the other flavors
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, pour the cider and add all of the spices, ginger, and sliced lemons.
- Heat on low for 3 – 5 hours.
- When serving, use a wooden label to scoop around the whole spices. Add a few into the glass like the cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- If you want to make spiked mulled apple cider add in 1 cup of rum or whiskey before serving! It’s delicious for the adults!
Notes
- Keep it low and slow—don’t let it boil or you’ll lose the cozy flavor and aroma.
- Whole spices work best and are easy to scoop around when serving.
- A clove-studded orange is a fun and fragrant addition that adds a little extra fall flair.
- Want to make it a cocktail? Stir in rum, bourbon, or whiskey just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
