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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider for Two – Easy Small Batch

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This perfectly portioned slow cooker apple cider for two delivers a rich, spiced flavor without a gallon of leftovers. Made with simple, whole ingredients, it’s a cozy, low-effort treat that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods (optional but recommended)
  • Thin apple slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients. Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. If you’re using the apple for garnish, slice it thinly as well. Measure out your apple cider, apple juice, and maple syrup.
  2. Combine everything in the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider, apple juice, and maple syrup into your slow cooker. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods (if using). Give everything a gentle stir to combine the liquids and distribute the spices.
  3. Set it to low and let it simmer. Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. (You can also cook it on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours if you’re short on time, but low and slow gives a better flavor.)
  4. Taste and adjust. After about 3 hours, give the cider a taste. Is it sweet enough for you? You can add a little more maple syrup if you’d like. Does it have enough spice? If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add another stick.
  5. Strain and serve. Once the cider is done, you have two options. For a rustic look, you can use a ladle to carefully pour the cider into mugs, avoiding the larger spice pieces. For a cleaner, more polished drink, pour the entire mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or pitcher, then pour it into your mugs.
  6. Garnish and enjoy. If you’re using apple slices for garnish, float a slice or two in each mug. You can also add a fresh cinnamon stick for stirring. Serve warm and take a moment to enjoy the fruits of your very minimal labor.

Notes

The cider will be very hot, so let it cool for a minute or two before taking that first sip. The flavors are actually best when it’s not scalding hot. For an even deeper flavor, toast the spices in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds before adding. This cider tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider, small batch apple cider, apple cider for two, cozy fall drink, spiced apple cider, homemade apple cider, easy apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/cozy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-for-two-easy-small-batch/