Crock-pot Cranberry Spiced Cider

You may be tired of cranberry recipes by now, but I had to share this one last cranberry creation with you. Between my crock-pot cranberry orange sauce recipe, cranberry orange oatmeal breakfast cookies, and the cranberry and caramelized brussels sprouts recipes, you might have thought I’ve been crazy for cranberries. Well, I guess you are right! Here’s just one more cranberry recipe. This recipe is worth it I tell ya’. I promise you this will be my last cranberry post this year. Yes, I know there’s about a week of this year left. So I don’t have to wait too long to share another one. Just kidding. I’ll wait…at least 10 months.

Slow Cooker Days

I love serving hot drinks like apple cider, wassail, and hot chocolate at big holiday parties as well as at small gatherings. Not only are drinks like this Crock-pot Cranberry Spiced Cider warm and festive, but they leave a warm and inviting aroma perfect for having guests!

This festive cranberry cider comes together SO quickly in the crock-pot. I use my 6 quart crock-pot to ensure that I will have enough room. You can easily halve this recipe if you have a smaller crock-pot or just don’t want that much around. A few years ago I invested in cheesecloth, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks and love having them around for those times we get a hankering for a lovely hot beverage like this cider. FYI, spices can last a long time, especially whole spices like cloves and cinnamon. According to Mrs. Fields (yes, as in Mrs. Fields cookies!), it’s a waste to throw out your spices every six months. Just use your senses. Those taste buds and that nose was given to you for a reason.

Feel free to swap the apple juice for the cranberry juice if you want the beverage less tart. Also, you can add 1/4 cup of sugar like coconut sugar, but I really don’t think the recipe needs it. But you let your taste buds be your guide.