Crockpot Mulled Spiced Cider with Cranberry and Apple Juice

Name: Crockpot Mulled Spiced Cider
Prep time: 180 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 185 min
Ingredients: 4 cups apple juice; 4 cups cranberry juice; 2 cups orange juice; 1 orange, cut in half; Handful of whole cloves; 2 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and cut into several slices); 3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish (optional)); Orange pieces to garnish (optional)

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Infusing a mix of store-bought cranberry and apple juices with seasonal spices makes this Crockpot Mulled Spiced Cider recipe super tasty!

This flavorful non-alcoholic punch is so easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd at a holiday party or a fun family night.

Overhead view of a mug holding a spiced cider. — Warm-up with a mug of this spiced mulled cranberry cider.

This post was originally published on November 28, 2017, and has now been updated with better directions to make this hot cider perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Notes
How to make Mulled Cranberry Cider
To Make on the Stovetop
Tips and Tricks
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Recipes
Crockpot Mulled Spiced Cider

Growing up my mom made this delicious Apple Cider recipe. To come up with my own version, I decided to add cranberry juice. It adds gorgeous color and a tart flavor that is perfect for sipping.

Made in a slow cooker, and infused with cinnamon, ginger, clove, and orange, this drink is the perfect thing to enjoy while watching holiday movies.

I originally created this recipe to go along with my Hallmark Christmas Movie Drinking Game. But really, a Holiday Mule works better for that in my opinion.

An overhead shot of pine branches and a package with a printable sheet on top of it next to text.

Why This Recipe Works

Mulled Spiced Cider (whether made in a crockpot or on the stove), is typically a sweet-ish drink (with cider as the base) heated and infused with citrus and spices.

YUM! With cranberry, orange, and apple juices this mulled cider is already delicious.

And then when you add your favorite seasonal spices, it takes it to the next flavor level.

As always, take this recipe and make it your own. If you want to add other spices do it.

If you want more or less juice, do it. If you want to lose most of the juice and use wine instead, do it. Because you KNOW I’m totally into that idea.

This warm cranberry cider is easy to make especially since you can keep most of these things on hand to make it whenever you need or want to.

This is a great non-alcoholic warm drink (that isn’t hot chocolate) to serve for any holiday get-together or for the family on a cold afternoon.

You could easily set up a cider station (similar to my Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board) for a dessert and cider party.

Ingredient Notes

For this recipe, I used a combination of apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice.

The cranberry juice gives it such a pretty red color!

There is nothing more “holiday” than a clove-studded orange, amIright? We used to make these as kids and they are the perfect way to infuse the cider with flavor.

Fresh ginger really helps to bring the bottled juices alive, while the cinnamon sticks add warmth.

How to make Mulled Cranberry Cider

Scroll down to the end of the post for a printable recipe card with full measurements and more detailed instructions.

Clove studded orange on a cutting board next to whole spices.

Cut an orange in half and then poke whole cloves into the skin.

Overhead view of juice in a Crock Pot with spices and oranges on the counter next to it.

To the bowl of a Crockpot, add the bottled juices.

Overhead view of a slow cooker with juice, oranges and spices.

Then add in the cinnamon sticks, ginger pieces, and oranges with cloves.

Cover and cook for a few hours.

To Make on the Stovetop

You can easily make this Mulled Cranberry Cider on the stove. Simply add everything to a medium to large saucepan and heat through. It doesn’t need to come to a boil. A light simmer will do.

You can keep the simmer going for up to an hour. But if you plan to leave it longer you may want to move it to a thermos.

Leaving it on the heat will cause the sugars to start reducing and the water to cook out. It won’t ruin it but it will start to concentrate the flavors.

Tips and Tricks

A quick garnish of an orange peel and cinnamon stick is a fun way to serve it.
Do not use sparkling juices. For best taste results use cold-pressed or juices that are as natural as possible.
To spike this hot Cranberry Cider add an ounce or more of bourbon, spiced rum, vanilla or citrus vodka or whatever sounds delicious to you!
If you want to make this for a crowd, you can serve it right from the Crock Pot. Set out mugs and a ladle and the warm, comforting drink can be enjoyed by everyone whenever they want it at the perfect temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store leftover cider?

To store the leftover mulled cider, let it cool completely then keep it in the fridge in an air-tight container. It should last a few days.

How do you remove spices from mulled cider easily?

I decided to leave the spices large because I was out of cheesecloth but you could absolutely put them in a little bundle so they can easily be removed.

What is the difference between mulled cider and wassail?

Not much. Both are spiced and usually heated. You can spike either with wine or spirits. Wassail is an English tradition.

How do you reheat leftover cranberry apple cider?

To reheat leftover cider, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe mug and heat it up for about a minute in the microwave. Or you can reheat the whole batch on the stove (once). Don’t reheat the whole batch more than that one time.

This delicious warm Mulled Spiced Cider recipe is sweet and tasty from the added spices. Drink this all winter long!

Make a Fireball Mule! Cinnamon whiskey makes this cocktail spicy and refreshing at the same time.
Jazz up your morning coffee make Spiced Cinnamon Coffee instead!
Make some Hot Green Tea with Vodka next time you want to curl up on the couch and get cozy!