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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiked Caramel Apple Cider

Cozy Slow Cooker Spiked Caramel Apple Cider - featured image
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A warm and comforting slow cooker apple cider infused with cinnamon, clove, and a touch of bourbon, topped with a ribbon of homemade caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (about 8 cups) Apple Cider or Apple Juice
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 Orange, sliced into rounds
  • 4–5 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Whole Allspice Berries
  • 1 Star Anise (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
  • Pinch of Sea Salt
  • 1 cup Bourbon, Dark Rum, or Brandy

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base: Pour the apple cider and water into your slow cooker. Add the packed brown sugar, and stir until it’s mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the Aromatics: Slice your orange into thin rounds and add them to the pot. If using a cheesecloth bundle, place your cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise in the center of a square of cheesecloth, tie it up with kitchen twine, and drop it in. If not, toss the spices directly into the cider.
  3. Slow Cook: Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer for at least 4 hours (or 2-3 hours on high). The longer it goes, the more the flavors meld together.
  4. Make the Caramel: About 30 minutes before serving, in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, spread the granulated sugar in an even layer. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Finish the Caramel: Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the cubed butter. Once melted, slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the pinch of sea salt. Let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. Strain and Spike: Use a slotted spoon to remove the orange slices and spice bundle (or strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve). Stir in your chosen liquor. Start with 1 cup and taste; you can always add more.
  7. Serve: Ladle the warm cider into mugs. Drizzle a generous spoonful of the warm caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and a slice of apple if desired.

Notes

Add alcohol at the end to preserve the kick. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon. The caramel can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Whole spices are recommended over ground for a clearer, less gritty cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, spiked, caramel, bourbon, fall, holiday, warm drink

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiked-caramel-apple-cider/