Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider

This slow cooker mulled cider starts with store-bought apple cider, but cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar, and vanilla turn it into a warm, comforting drink that tastes like fall—and even Christmas. I recently made it again after not having it for a while, and I honestly don’t know why I waited so long.

I remember how excited the kids were when they were little and walked into the house smelling mulled cider. When I asked my little guy whether it was good, he said, “Good?! It’s better than good, Mom. It’s delicious!” This time, Connor and I each had two helpings. My daughter initially passed because she thought I meant plain store-bought cider. Once she realized it was my mulled apple cider, she wanted some, too.

With the kids getting older and getting ready to leave home, these cooking memories mean so much to me. I’m excited to bring this cozy family favorite back into our lives. The slow cooker makes it easy, and I’ve now tested a quicker stovetop version, too.

Why You’ll Love This Mulled Apple Cider

• Starts with store-bought cider: No chopping, mashing, or straining apples.
• Simple ingredients: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, vanilla, and brown sugar.
• Two tested methods: Let it warm slowly in the slow cooker or make the stovetop version.
• Family-friendly: This recipe uses non-alcoholic apple cider.
• Cozy seasonal flavor: A warm drink for fall evenings and Christmas gatherings.

Mulled Cider Recipe Ingredients

The exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

Ingredient	What It Adds
🍎 Apple cider	The apple-flavored base; use non-alcoholic cider.
Brown sugar	Sweetness and a little molasses flavor.
Vanilla	Another layer of flavor alongside the spices.
Cinnamon sticks	Warm cinnamon flavor.
Whole cloves	Spiced flavor; remove before serving.

Equipment Needed

For the main recipe, you’ll need a slow cooker, a spoon for stirring, a ladle, and mugs. For the stovetop version, use a large saucepan or pot.

How to Make Mulled Cider in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Stir together.

Step 2: Cook on low. Cover and cook on low for about 2–3 hours.

Step 3: Stir and serve. Stir well, then remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Ladle the warm mulled cider into mugs and enjoy.

Quick Stovetop Mulled Apple Cider

I tested this method when I made the recipe again recently. It uses the same ingredients and amounts as the slow cooker version.

Combine everything in a large saucepan or pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir well and remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving.

The 20 minutes is the simmering time; allow additional time for the cider to come to a boil.

Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop: The Methods I’ve Used

Method	🍎 Slow Cooker	☕ Stovetop
Ingredients	The original recipe.	The same ingredients and amounts.
Cooking method	Covered, on low.	Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cooking time	About 2–3 hours.	About 20 minutes simmering, plus time to reach a boil.
When I’d choose it	When I have time to let it cook slowly.	When I want a quicker version.

Crockpot Apple Cider for a Crowd

This recipe makes about eight servings, so it’s a nice option for a small family gathering. Set out mugs and a ladle, then stir the cider before serving so the flavor is distributed throughout the pot.

If you need more servings, plan around your slow cooker’s capacity.

A Kid-Friendly Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

This mulled apple cider recipe uses regular, non-alcoholic apple cider—not hard cider—and has no alcohol added.

My kids have enjoyed it both when they were little and now that they’re older. My daughter’s reaction reminded me that “hot apple cider” doesn’t quite explain what she loves about this version: it’s the cinnamon, spices, and cozy flavor that make it our mulled cider.

Let individual servings cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before giving them to children.

Melissa’s Tips for Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

• Stir before serving. The spices settle at the bottom, so give the cider a good stir before ladling it into mugs.
• Remove the whole spices. Take out the cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving.
• Keep the vanilla. It’s part of the original recipe I used for both cooking methods.
• Choose the method that fits your evening. Use the slow cooker when you have a few hours or the stovetop for a quicker version.
• Start with the tested recipe. Both batches used the same brown sugar and spice amounts. I haven’t tested apple juice or ground-spice substitutions for this version.

Mulled Cider FAQs

More Cozy Fall Drinks

If you enjoy this spiced apple cider, try these other drinks:

• Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate
• Mom’s Wassail
• Cozy Fall Drink Recipes