My Twist on Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

I grew up drinking apple cider and homemade wassail (a spiced cider/tea with citrus) around the holidays. So when I had kids I wanted to come up with my own apple cider recipe to keep the tradition going. That and a gallon of organic apple cider quickly gets expensive for a large family.

Most recipes online called for huge amounts of apples (even too much for us) and required canning and special equipment. I wanted to find a way to make a batch without canning since we drink it that same day.

I immediately thought of making cider in the Crock-Pot. I loved the idea of the smell of baking apples filling the house all day while it cooked. They say smells trigger emotions and memories in the brain, and I believe it Hot apple cider does that for me.

This apple cider recipe version is easy to make too!

What is Apple Cider?

You’ve seen it in the store or maybe bought it at a local farmstand, but what is apple cider? Apple cider is different from apple juice in several ways. Apple cider is made from pressed, fresh apples and is left unfiltered and sometimes unpasteurized. Apple juice however has the apple solids filtered out so it’s clearer and has less fiber.

This version of apple cider is technically neither of those things. While it’s absolutely delicious, I don’t have the large apple press at home necessary for true apple cider. Instead, we’re making a sort of tea that draws all the flavor from the fruit and spices into the water.

5-Minute Apple Cider Recipe (from Scratch)

Homemade fresh applesauce is a fall staple in our home. I usually have a variety of organic apples on hand this time of year for that project. So I just grabbed some of the Fiji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples on the counter for this apple cider recipe.

I didn’t have to add any sweetener since those varieties are naturally sweet. If you use more sour apples, add a little honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to the final product. It only took about 5 minutes to wash, peel, and cut 10 apples. My kids are pretty good with knives in the kitchen thanks to this class so that helps!

After prep it’s really just a matter of waiting and taking in the heavenly smell of baking apples and spices as they cook down. All that’s left is to strain and serve! We like cider best served warm. However, we refrigerate the leftovers (when there are any) in a stainless steel pitcher and it’s wonderful cold as well.

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

A cozy, naturally sweet cider made with fresh apples, warm spices, and citrus. Perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings.

Slow Cooker Method

• Add the sliced apples, sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and water to the slow cooker.

• Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (overnight works great).

• Strain out the fruit and spices with cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

• Add some maple syrup or honey to taste if desired.

• Serve warm or cold with an optional cinnamon stick for garnish.

Instant Pot Method

• Add apples, orange, spices, and water to Instant Pot, filling just below the max line.

• Lock lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 15 minutes.

• Allow natural release for 20 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

• Strain and add some maple syrup or honey to taste if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 65
Calories from Fat 2

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.2g0%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g

Sodium 13mg1%

Potassium 139mg4%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 0.4g1%

Vitamin A 81IU2%

Vitamin C 10mg12%

Calcium 22mg2%

Iron 0.2mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze in portions for later.
• Serve warm or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist.

How to Serve Apple Cider … the Wellness Mama Way

This version of apple cider does have less sugar than the real thing, but it does have natural sugar. I’ll serve this in smaller cups and I’ll often stir in a little collagen or gelatin for an extra protein boost. They’ll never know as long as you serve it hot … let it get cold and they might notice!

If you’re looking for some sugar free apple recipes, then try this immune-boosting Fire Cider or Apple Cider Vinegar recipe.

Put this apple cider recipe in the slow cooker in the morning and have it ready for a cozy night around the fireplace with the family. Or, keep it warm in the slow cooker for guests at a fall party. On the flip side, make this at night before bed and cook on low in the slow cooker so it’s ready for breakfast (on Christmas perhaps!). Bonus: your house will smell amazing all day!

Make This Apple Cider Recipe Even Better … With Butter!

Every heard of butter in your coffee? On special occasions (and when it’s cold enough outside) I’ve also made this into grown-up cider with this Hot Buttered Rum recipe. (It does seem to be true that butter makes everything better!)

Which drinks are a family tradition at your house?