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Cozy Slow Cooker Witches Brew Apple Cider Punch

cozy slow cooker apple cider punch - featured image
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A warm, spiced apple cider punch that tastes like October in a mug. Made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and a blend of whole spices, this slow cooker punch is perfect for Halloween parties and fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (pure)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks (Ceylon preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for stirring)
  • Star anise pods (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, split vanilla bean, and star anise pods in a piece of cheesecloth or a reusable spice bag. Tie securely with kitchen twine.
  2. Pour the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and maple syrup into a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Drop the spice bundle into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the freshly grated nutmeg over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours). Do not let it boil.
  5. After 3 hours, taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired. If using vanilla extract instead of a bean, stir it in now.
  6. Remove the spice bundle. Ladle the punch into mugs and garnish with orange slices, apple slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods. Serve warm.

Notes

For a spiked version, add 1 cup dark rum, bourbon, or spiced whiskey after cooking. For a kid-friendly mocktail, add a splash of sparkling apple cider or ginger ale before serving. The punch can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days; flavors deepen overnight. To freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider punch, slow cooker punch, Halloween punch, witches brew, mulled cider, fall beverage, party punch

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-slow-cooker-witches-brew-apple-cider-punch/