Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider: Best No Sugar Recipe

no sugar apple cider - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy slow cooker spiced apple cider is completely sugar-free, using whole apples and warm spices to create a rich, flavorful drink that’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening. It’s set-it-and-forget-it easy, budget-friendly, and naturally healthy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 medium apples (about 3 pounds), washed and quartered (no need to peel or core)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (in a tea infuser or cheesecloth bundle)
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, washed and sliced into rounds
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 cups water (filtered preferred)
  • Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs, additional cinnamon sticks, or thin apple slices

Instructions

  1. Wash and quarter the apples. Don’t peel or core them—just remove bruised spots and quarter.
  2. Slice the orange into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick, leaving the peel on.
  3. Place whole cloves in a tea infuser or tie in cheesecloth. Break cinnamon sticks in half.
  4. Layer apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger slices, clove bundle, and vanilla bean in a 6-quart slow cooker.
  5. Pour in 8 cups of water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged (add more water if needed).
  6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow is preferred.
  7. Taste after 6 hours; if watery, cook longer. If too strong, dilute with water.
  8. Mash the softened apples gently with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release juices.
  9. Strain cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing on solids. Discard solids.
  10. Return strained cider to slow cooker to keep warm, or pour into mugs. Garnish as desired.

Notes

For a clearer cider, strain twice. If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a large pot on the stovetop: bring to a boil, then simmer for at least 1 hour. For Instant Pot: cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, natural release 10 minutes. To make an adult version, add 1/2 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy after straining. Leftover cider keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar-free apple cider, slow cooker apple cider, spiced apple cider, healthy apple cider, no sugar apple cider, cozy apple cider, holiday drink

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiced-apple-cider-best-no-sugar-recipe/