Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider is one of those drinks that practically begs you to grab your favorite mug and stay awhile. Apple cider, warm spices and caramel simmer together in the slow cooker while you go about your day, and by the time you're ready for a cup, the whole house smells amazing.
Make a batch for a fall party, holiday gathering or a chilly afternoon when something warm sounds really good!
Why this is a must make for fall parties 🍎🍂
This is the drink you want waiting when everybody walks through the door. It's hot, it smells incredible and the crockpot keeps it ready for refills without you playing bartender all night.
Set out the mugs, pile on the whipped cream, drizzle on the caramel and let everyone help themselves. Halloween party, game day, Thanksgiving or a bunch of friends hanging out around the fire, this cider knows how to work a crowd.
Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 64 ounces. apple juice or cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce plus a bit more for garnish
- Sliced fresh apples and whipped cream for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add apple juice, cinnamon, and caramel sauce to a crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure that thecaramel doesn't stick to the bottom of the crockpot and burn.
- To serve, ladle the hot cider into a mug or mason jar. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Decorate with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the recipe card for the exact measurements.
FAQ's
Apple cider is typically less filtered than apple juice, giving it a cloudy appearance and a stronger, more complex apple flavor. Apple juice is filtered, clear, and usually sweeter. Either works in this recipe, but I prefer apple cider for its richer flavor.
Caramel ice cream topping works great because it melts easily into the hot cider. Ghirardelli, Smucker's, Hershey's, Torani, or your favorite store-brand caramel sauce will all work.
Absolutely. For an adult version, add 1 to 2 ounces of spiced rum, bourbon, vodka, or cinnamon whiskey to each mug. I prefer adding it to individual servings so everyone can enjoy the same batch. Cheers!
Yes. Make the cider as directed, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the slow cooker on low before serving, stirring occasionally.
Test kitchen notes
Don't overthink this one, it's pretty forgiving! Give everything a good stir when you first add it to the crockpot, then let it do its thing. I'll usually give it another stir once the caramel has had a chance to melt into the cider.
Before you serve it, sneak a taste. Depending on the cider you buy, you may want a little more caramel, or you may decide it's plenty sweet already. And definitely bring out the whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and caramel for serving. If we're making caramel apple cider, we might as well go all in!
Here are more great tips
- Slice the apples right before serving. Fresh is always prettiest!
- Give them a quick dip in lemon water if you're prepping ahead. Just don't overdo the lemon.
- Use a crisp red apple, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. They're beautiful floating in a mug!
- Keep the slices fairly thick so they hold their shape in the warm cider.
Related recipes
If you're in the mood for another warm drink, my Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate is always a fun one to pull out when the weather turns chilly. For something extra festive, try Snowman Soup, especially around the holidays. And if you want to start right at the beginning, this Homemade Apple Juice is a fun way to turn fresh apples into a delicious drink at home.
Pour yourself a mug
There's just something about a warm mug of apple cider that makes a chilly day a whole lot better. I love that you can toss everything into the crockpot, let it simmer away and come back to a drink that's ready to share. Make a batch for a fall get-together, Thanksgiving or just because you've got a cold afternoon and an empty mug.
And don't be shy with that little drizzle of caramel on top. That's the good stuff!
Jean M says
Aww apple cider that screams of fall.
Your recipe looks really good too.
Sara Powell says
That looks so delicious 😋 and tasty. I like Hot Caramel Apple Cider. Would be cool to win please thanks for the chance to win. Never won before. Good luck 🍀 everyone.
Lois says
This sounds just what I need. Just go back from my walk and its only 40 out this morning and some nice was cider is just what I need. Just looks so refreshing and tasty.
Carol says
This would be great just in time for Halloween. Having family over on Halloween and this will be perfect to serve.
Karen E says
This cider recipe sounds fabulous! We always serve apple cider at our Halloween get togethers but adding the caramel and whipped cream will take it over the top. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this one and I can't wait to serve it at our next party. Thanks again for the wonderful recipes you provide us.