Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp whole allspice berries
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

Steps

1. Pour the cider into a 6-quart slow cooker and add the orange slices.
2. Tie the cloves, allspice, star anise and ginger in a piece of cheesecloth (or use a tea infuser) and add with the cinnamon sticks.
3. Cover and cook on high 2 hours or low 4 hours, until hot and fragrant. Do not let it boil.
4. Taste and add sugar if you like. Remove the spice bundle and keep on warm. Ladle into mugs.

TipFor an adult version, set out bourbon or spiced rum for guests to add their own.