Apple season is one of the best times of the year with lots of delicious recipes to make! Be sure to check out some of these reader favorites like German Apple Cake, Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing, and Apple Crisp! Picture this, you sitting on your couch curled up in your favorite sweater and holding a cup of fresh homemade apple cider. Sounds ideal, right? Making your own apple cider is an easy autumn/winter past-time that not only warms your soul but also doubles as a great way to make your home smell unbelievably good! This easy apple cider recipe brings you the combined freshness of apples, oranges, and spices. Even better is that your slow cooker does most of the work and your family will think you are amazing. Homemade apple cider is a delicious, festive drink that can easily be made in the slow cooker and enjoyed all through the fall and winter. It makes your house smell incredible as it cooks all day in the slow cooker and is always a hit during the holiday season! I’m always hard-pressed to choose between whether homemade apple cider or hot chocolate is my favorite fall beverage. This set and forget apple cider recipe is made with apples (obviously), oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, and spices. If you’ve ever made those DIY potpourri mixes that you boil on your stove to make your home smell fragrant during the winter months, it won’t be hard to imagine how amazing your home will smell with your hot cider in the slow cooker. And it tastes every bit as wonderful as it smells. If you love apples like we do, you might also want to try making my homemade applesauce, apple oatmeal muffins, or my glazed apple fritter yeast bread! I meant to include this recipe as part of my collection of Connecticut-inspired recipes for my American Eats series because Connecticut has a long tradition of cider drinking. Granted, much of it was hard cider. But still, they definitely love their apple-centric beverages! American Eats is an ongoing series here where I’m visiting the most iconic recipes and flavors of each state, one state at a time. Look below the recipe to see if I’ve covered your homestate yet and let me know what you would like to see!
How to make apple cider
Can you heat up cold apple cider to make hot cider?
After making this recipe, store any leftover apple cider in a pitcher in your fridge for later. If you want to warm it up again before enjoying it, I recommend doing this in a small pot on the stovetop for more than a couple servings or in a mug in the microwave if you are just reheating enough for one person. Just be sure to stir to remove any hot spots and drink at a safe temperature.
Is apple cider better hot or cold?
Honestly, this is a judgment call that is totally based on personal preference. I personally love a warm glass, but many people enjoy their apple cider chilled. You could even mix chilled cider with club soda for a homemade sparkling cider if you are feeling fancy. Leftover cider can be used in any recipe that calls for apple cider, like my creamy apple cider skillet chicken (SO good – promise you will make it once this fall!), German apple pancakes with cider syrup, or apple cider donuts!
What goes good with hot apple cider?
While many people may simply think of warm cider as a nice treat on its own, it can still pair well with many different foods or meals. For instance, it would pair wonderfully with all sorts of cheeses, cookies, and even savory main dishes like pork chops.
More Festive Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
Pumpkin Juice Homemade Eggnog Horchata Mexican Drink Recipe Pomegranate in a Pear Tree Punch Homemade White Hot Chocolate Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail
More States I Have Visited in my American Eats Series
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • New Jersey • New York • Oregon • Puerto Rico • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Utah • Wisconsin Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
