Chai Spiced Apple Cider is an easy crockpot recipe perfect for the holidays! This warm cider can be served as a mocktail or a cocktail this holiday season!
Whenever I host a holiday, I like to have a signature drink. My kids like to enjoy the signature drink as well so I need one that everyone can drink. This slow-cooker apple cider recipe is the easiest way to have a drink that everyone can enjoy! It is warm, festive, and only requires a few minutes of prep time.
If you need more signature drink ideas, try this Spiced Chai Cider Bourbon. This 4-ingredient cocktail is the perfect mix of warm chai spices, bourbon, and apple cider. Or, if you are feeding a crowd, try this Large Batch Cosmopolitan Recipe. This cocktail recipe is perfect for a holiday party. Make sure that you have an extra large cocktail shaker ready because this recipe makes a large batch!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm and cozy! There is nothing better than a warm drink to cozy up with on a cold day.
- Option to add alcohol. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this cider. Serve alcohol on the side so that everyone can make their perfect drink.
- Simple ingredients. Chances are, you have most of these simple ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry to make this crock pot apple cider recipe!
Chai Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients
Head to your local grocery store to stock up on these simple ingredients to make hot cider:
- Store-bought apple cider is used. If you can, support local farms. My Delaware favorite is Fifer's Orchards!
- Whole cloves and whole cinnamon sticks add sweet and spicy aromas that compliment the apple cider.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice compliments the warm spices.
- Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the cider to balance the acidity.
- Chai tea is seeped with the cider to add extra notes of warmth to the cider.
- Freshly grated ginger adds spicy notes to the cider.
- Lemon slices, apple slices, and orange slices are mixed with the cider for extra flavor and to act as a garnish.
See the below recipe card for the exact measurements.
Substitutions
- If you cannot find apple cider, use apple juice.
- Store-bought orange juice can be used instead of freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Replace the maple syrup with agave nectar or a little bit of apple butter.
- If you do not have chai tea bags, use extra cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. I do not recommend using another type of tea bag.
Variations
- Make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the crockpot. Add all ingredients to a large pot on the stove and set to a low simmer. Simmer the ingredients for at least 30 minutes. The longer that you simmer the cider, the more flavor it will have. Avoid bringing the cider to a boil as that will evaporate the liquid and reduce the flavor.
- To make this drink look extra festive, serve with star anise and cinnamon sticks in the mug.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a crockpot and stir to combine. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Remove the cloves, tea bags, and cinnamon sticks from the crockpot. Serve warm and garnish with lemon, orange, and apple slices.
Storage
If you have leftover cider, store it refrigerated in an airtight container. Remove the apple, orange, and lemon slices from the cider before storing. Enjoy cold cider or reheat in the microwave.
FAQ
Yes, you can serve this cider cold! I recommend making it in the crockpot or on the stovetop in advance and then refrigerating until ready to serve. Serve this in a large pitcher with the fruit slices and pour over ice for a cold cider.
Bourbon and rum are my favorite alcohol accompaniments to pair with the cider. Whiskey and bourbon add warm, smoky hints to the cider. Rum adds an extra layer of sweetness. You can also add a splash of red wine to make a simple mulled cider!
If you are worried about the cider tasting too sweet, omit the maple syrup. The orange juice will balance out the sweetness of the cider. You can also add extra orange juice and lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
📖 Recipe
Chai Spiced Apple Cider (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 12 cups Apple Cider
- ½ cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (from about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup Maple Syrup
- 3 Chai Tea Bags
- 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger
- Lemon Slices, Orange Slices and Apple Slices
- Bourbon, Vodka or Tequila to serve (optional)
Instructions
- To a crock pot, add apple cider, orange juice, maple syrup, chai tea bags, grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange slices, apple slices, and lemon slices. Allow to cook for about 3 hours. Once ready to serve, remove the tea bags and whole cloves.
- Serve warm in a mug. Garnish with apple slices, lemon slices, and orange slices.
- Add alcohol when ready to serve (optional). Enjoy!
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