Crockpot Apple Cider (Refined Sugar-Free)
This small batch Crock Pot Apple Cider recipe combines apples, oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and maple syrup for a sweet, spiced drink perfect for fall!
We love hot apple cider, but our families aren’t always the biggest fans. And it can be hard to find low-sugar, healthier options in the grocery store.
So, instead of wasting a whole big batch, we make a smaller version instead! This easy crockpot apple cider makes just enough for a couple of servings and couldn’t be any simpler to prepare.
Sweet, spiced, and oh-so-cozy, it’s refined sugar-free and the perfect way to warm up when the weather gets cold. Pair it with apple butter bread or caramel apple nachos for the ultimate treat!
Recipe Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this homemade apple cider recipe. Please be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Apples – Use sweet apples such as Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honey Crisp.
- Orange Slices – This adds extra depth and sweetness. Cuties work well, too, if you have them on hand!
- Flavor Enhancers – Cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and whole cloves add the warmth and depth we look for in apple cider.
- Water – This dilutes the ingredients for a flavorful drink.
- Maple Syrup – We love to use maple syrup for a touch of sweetness without the need for refined sugar. Feel free to use brown sugar instead if preferred.
How to Make This Easy Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe
- Combine and cook. Add all the ingredients except the maple syrup to a small crockpot. Cover, and cook on high or low.
- Strain. Turn off the crockpot, and use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid into a small pot or bowl.
- Mash. Use the back of a spoon or potato masher to press the cooked fruit into the strainer, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
- Sweeten. Stir in the maple syrup to taste, and enjoy!
Common Questions
Yes! Pour the cider into an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can enjoy them cold. Or, warm your cider in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a crockpot set to warm.
Yes! You can easily double or triple the ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as normal. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to hold everything.
Crockpot Apple Cider (Refined Sugar-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 apples cut into quarters (see notes)
- 1/2 orange or 1 cutie (see notes)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 3 cups water (or as much as needed to fill the crock pot)
- 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, cloves and water to a small crock pot (1.5 quart). Don’t worry about removing seeds or rough parts. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.2 apples, 1/2 orange or 1 cutie, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 whole nutmeg, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 3 cups water
- After 4 hours on HIGH, turn off the crockpot. Using a mesh strainer, pour the contents of the crockpot in a small pot or medium sized bowl. Your strainer should have the cooked fruit and whole spices and the cider will then be in the small pot or bowl.
- With the back of a spoon or avocado masher/potato masher, press the cooked fruit against the strainer so the maximum amount of apple cider goes into the pot.
- You can either leave the cider in the pot or bowl OR pour it back into the crockpot. Stir in the maple syrup. If desired, add more sweetener.3 Tablespoons maple syrup
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat when ready to drink!
What a fantastic and easy recipe! Today I’m adding some cranberries – some halved and some whole – and extra orange. I’m trying to get rid of excess holiday fruit. I even added alcohol free whiskey and it was really enjoyable. 😆
That’s wonderful, Eryn! Love the addition of cranberries and alcohol free whiskey – so smart! Enjoy. 🙂
I had never made my own apple cider but this recipe is so easy and the apple cider is delicious!
This Crockpot Apple Cider recipe sounds amazing! I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for cozy fall evenings with the family. Can’t wait to try it out this weekend! 🍎✨
Yes, this cider is perfect for the whole family to enjoy! Thanks for the kind words. Keep us posted. 🙂
Hey there,
I live in Australia, so our Christmas is HOT! Do you think this would be nice as a chilled drink?
Hi Hanim! Yes, I think it would taste lovely as a cold drink (though I have never tried it). Just today, I saw a mocktail using homemade apple cider kind of like a margarita. The recipe is from http://www.alliannaskitchen.com. 🙂 Blessings!