Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise
Warm spiced apple cider simmered slowly with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and citrus for a cozy holiday drink. This american-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 250 minutes brings together gallon apple cider, sticks cinnamon sticks, pods star anise pods for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 4 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 4 pods star anise pods
- 10 cloves whole cloves
- 1 medium orange orange, sliced
- 1 medium lemon lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour 1 gallon of apple cider into a slow cooker. Add 4 cinnamon sticks, 4 star anise pods, 10 whole cloves, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
- Step 2: Thinly slice 1 medium orange and 1 medium lemon, then add the slices to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the spices and citrus to infuse the cider. Serve warm, ladling into mugs and optionally garnishing with fresh cinnamon sticks.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise take to make?
Total time is about 250 minutes (10 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise?
Refrigerate any leftover slow cooker mulled apple cider with cinnamon and star anise in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Star Anise?
American cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to winter drink. The slow cooker made it effortless for busy mornings.
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds. So easy to make while I cooked dinner!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for my holiday gathering! The cinnamon and star anise made it feel extra special.
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