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With its smooth, bright blend of holiday spices, apples, oranges, and peaches, this vibrant Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch is a delight to the senses! The perfect holiday drink for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch
You know how you can simmer spices for a while to make your house smell like the holidays? Well, my philosophy is: why not make something truly delicious while you’re at it? That’s what this slow-cooker apple cider punch is all about.
The seasonal cider, combined with yummy peach nectar and a little galaxy of spices, will make your house smell heavenly—and the taste is heavenly, too!
Is This a Non-Alcoholic Punch Recipe?
Yes, this warm punch is non-alcoholic, so everyone can indulge! If you’d like, you can spike the entire recipe, or individual servings, for an extra shot of cheer!
Recipe Ingredients
- Apple Cider: You’ll need a quart of good-quality cider.
- Orange Juice: Two cups of orange juice, with pulp or without.
- Peach Nectar: Two cups peach nectar. This is often sold in single servings, but you may be able to find a larger bottle!
- Lemon Juice: Just a touch of real lemon juice amps up the other flavors.
- Ground Nutmeg and Cardamom: Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground spices are also fine!
- Cinnamon Sticks and Whole Cloves: Whole spices contain more oils and work well in a spice bag.
- Fresh Ginger: You’ll need to peel and finely chop enough ginger to make one teaspoon.
- Grated Orange and Lemon Peel
- Lemon and Orange Slices: For garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch
- Place Cider, Juices, and Ground Spices in Slow Cooker. In your 4 quart slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange juice, peach nectar, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Make the Spice Bag and Add to the Slow Cooker. Place cinnamon sticks, ginger, orange peel, lemon peel, and cloves in a cheesecloth spice bag. Tie the bag securely and place it in the slow cooker.
- Slow-Cook the Punch. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove Spice Bag and Garnish. Remove the spice bag and discard. (You can save the bag itself, washing it gently in warm water and dish soap and air drying.)
- Top the apple cider punch with apple slices and orange slices.
- Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Punch
- Make Ahead: If you’d like to save time on the day of serving, make this punch in advance, except for any garnishes or spirits. Then reheat on the day of serving, garnish, and serve!
- Serve Cold: While this punch is so cozy and seasonal served hot, but you can also make it ahead and serve it chilled—it’ll be truly delicious either way!
- Spike It! If you’d like this to be an alcoholic punch, and you’re planning to serve it warm, I recommend spiking it with a sweet red wine, rum, vodka, or bourbon. So delicious! Apple schnapps would also be tasty. For serving it cold, try a red or white wine or some champagne!
Serving Suggestions
- Dip and Dippers! If you’d like to serve a tasty snack alongside this punch, it’s hard to top (get it?) some delicious homemade dip and an array of crackers, veggies, and pita chips. I love this Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip so much, and it’s so easy!
- Apples and Apples: Double up on apple-season flavor by making a delicious Dutch Apple Slab Pie. Serve with ice cream for the a la mode crowd, and wedges of cheddar for a savory twist.
- Pumpkin (Hand) Pies: These adorable Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescent Rolls are so sweet and fetching! I love how they complement the spices in the punch.
How to Store Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch
- To refrigerate: cover well and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: store in airtight freezer containers or bags. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of “head space” because the punch will expand as it freezes. Punch will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- To reheat: place in a saucepan on medium, or the crock pot on high, until heated through. (Heating in the crock pot may take more than an hour.)
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Punch
This warm and fragrant punch is a blend of apple cider, orange juice, peach nectar, and delicious holiday spices.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups peach nectar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel
- 8 whole cloves
- Apple Slices,, for garnish
- Orange slices,, for garnish
- Lemon slices,, for garnish
Instructions
- In a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker combine apple cider, orange juice, peach nectar, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- Place cinnamon sticks, ginger, orange peel, lemon peel, and cloves in a cheesecloth spice bag. Tie the bag securely and place it in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove spice bag and discard.
- Set Slow Cooker to "Warm".
- Top apple cider punch with apple slices, orange slices, and lemon slices.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 228IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Did you make a recipe? Leave a rating
This looks so delicious and yummy! My kids are going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to make this!
This is always a hit at our holiday parties! Love enjoying this all season long; it’s a fall staple in our home!
This is not only delicious but really smells amazing too. Love the spiking ideas for when the girls come over.
This is the perfect fall drink! I will make your recipe this weekend!
Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
I loved it! Such a perfect fall drink!
Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Not only will this taste good but it will make the house smell so good too!
I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Ooooh – adding peach nectar is such a good idea!
Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂