Slow-Simmered Crock-Pot Apple Cider

Making hot apple cider in a crock pot is a great way to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of apple and spice. It's a simple process that only requires a few ingredients and a slow cooker. The result is a delicious and comforting drink that's perfect for cold winter days or entertaining guests.

Choosing apples

Choosing the right apples is an important step in making hot apple cider in a crockpot. While you can use any apples you like, some varieties are better suited for cider-making than others due to their higher levels of acid, tannin, or sugar, which enhance the flavour of the cider.

Apples that are commonly used for cider-making include:

• Gala
• Gravenstein
• Newtown Pippin
• Rome Beauty
• Winesap
• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Honey Crisp
• Jonagold
• Jonathan
• McIntosh
• Red Delicious
• Fuji
• Braeburn
• Cox's Orange Pippin
• Calville Blanc d'Hiver
• Bramley's Seedling
• Rhode Island Greening
• Newton Pippin (Albemarle Pippin)
• Ashmead's Kernel
• Foxwhelp
• Kingston Black
• Dabinett
• Yarlington Mill

When choosing apples for cider-making, it is important to consider the balance of flavours that you want to achieve. For example, if you want a sweeter cider, you might choose apples with higher sugar content, such as Red Delicious or Fuji. If you prefer a more acidic or tart flavour, you might choose Granny Smith or Newtown Pippin apples. You can also mix and match different varieties to create a unique flavour profile for your cider.

In addition to flavour, you should also consider the texture and juiciness of the apples. Apples that are crisp and juicy will yield more cider and have a better mouthfeel. Overly soft or mealy apples may not be suitable for cider-making as they can make the final product cloudy or pulpy.

Finally, if you are planning to make a large batch of cider, it is important to ensure that you have enough apples. As a general rule, you will need about 2 pounds of apples per quart of cider. This may vary depending on the size and juiciness of the apples, so it is always a good idea to have a few extra on hand.

Preparing the crock pot

Next, prepare your orange by poking holes in it with a toothpick and carefully pushing the cloves into the holes. You can also add a cinnamon stick into the orange for extra spice.

Then, combine all your ingredients in the crock pot. Pour in the apple cider, add the cinnamon sticks and clove-studded orange, and give everything a gentle stir to help the flavors mingle.

Finally, secure the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook. You can cook your cider on low for 2-4 hours, or even overnight for a more intense flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it on the stovetop for at least 30 minutes on low heat, making sure to keep it just below a simmer to prevent evaporation.

Your crock pot will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of apple and spice, and you'll soon be able to enjoy a warm and comforting mug of hot apple cider!

Adding spices

Cinnamon sticks are a must-have for apple cider as they are BFFs with apples. You can also add ground cinnamon, but the sticks are preferable as they slowly release their flavour. Cloves are another important spice, but make sure to use whole cloves as ground cloves can be too intense. You can poke holes in an orange and stick the cloves in it before adding it to the cider. This adds a wonderful flavour to the cider and makes it look festive.

Other spices you can add to your hot apple cider include allspice, star anise, and nutmeg. You can also add a knob of fresh ginger for a bit of a kick. If you want to make your cider boozy, you can add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking times and temperatures for making hot apple cider in a crock pot vary depending on the recipe and the desired strength of the cider. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on the cooking times and temperatures for making delicious hot apple cider in a crock pot or slow cooker.

Step 1: Preparation

Before turning on your crock pot, it is important to prepare all the ingredients and combine them in the pot. This typically includes apple cider or apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges, and other spices or sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients such as lemon slices, star anise, or ginger.

Step 2: Initial Cooking

Once all the ingredients are in the crock pot, it's time to turn it on and let it work its magic. The cooking time and temperature for this initial step can vary depending on the recipe and the desired strength of the cider.

• Low Heat for 2-4 Hours: Most recipes recommend cooking the cider on low heat for a longer period, typically ranging from 2 to 4 hours. This slower cooking process allows the flavours to infuse gradually and prevents the liquid from evaporating too quickly.
• High Heat for 30 Minutes to 2 Hours: Alternatively, some recipes suggest cooking the cider on high heat for a shorter period, which can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This method speeds up the process but requires careful monitoring to avoid overcooking or evaporation.

Step 3: Stirring and Mashing

During the initial cooking process, it is a good idea to stir the mixture occasionally to help the flavours mingle. For an even more intense apple flavour, try using a potato masher to mash up the apples during this step. This releases more of the apple's juices and creates a stronger cider.

Step 4: Straining and Serving

After the initial cooking, it's time to strain the cider to separate the liquid from the solid ingredients. You can use a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a similar tool for this step. Once strained, the cider is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Step 5: Keeping Warm

One of the advantages of using a crock pot is the ability to keep the cider warm for an extended period. After the initial cooking, you can set your crock pot to its keep warm setting or its lowest temperature setting to maintain the cider's warmth for up to 2 hours. This is especially convenient when serving the cider to guests, as they can help themselves to a warm cup whenever they like.

Tips for Customisation:

• Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sweetener used in the recipe. Apple cider and apple juice are already sweet, but you can add brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness. Taste the cider during the cooking process and adjust as needed.
• Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier cider, feel free to experiment with the amount and variety of spices used. Cinnamon and cloves are commonly used, but you can also add ground allspice, star anise, or ginger to give it an extra kick.
• Alcoholic Twist: For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon to each serving. It is not recommended to cook the cider with the alcohol, as most of it will evaporate. Instead, add the alcohol directly to the mugs when serving.

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your homemade hot apple cider, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your perfect winter beverage!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to elevate your hot apple cider-serving experience. Here are some serving suggestions to try out:

• Apple slices: Float thinly sliced apple rounds on top for a decorative touch.
• Cinnamon sticks: This adds flavour and acts as a natural stirrer.
• Orange slices: Add a slice or two for a citrusy twist and a pop of colour.
• Star anise: This beautiful spice adds depth to the cider and looks lovely floating on top.
• Fresh cranberries: These add a festive touch, especially during the holidays.
• Whipped topping: Top off your cider with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a dessert-like treat.
• Sweets: Pair your cider with doughnuts, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls.
• Cheese: It might sound unconventional, but apple cider pairs wonderfully with certain cheeses. Try serving it with slices of sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
• Mug choices: Use clear mugs or glass mason jars to show off the beautiful colour of the cider.
• Serving station: Set up a cider station with various toppings and add-ins. Allow guests to customise their drinks. This can be a fun interactive element for parties.

Frequently asked questions