Slow Cooker Game Day Cider for a Crowd
Put it on before kickoff and nobody has to leave the couch for a refill. A big pot of cranberry-orange apple cider holds warm through all four quarters and halftime too.
What you'll need
- 1 gallon apple cider (3.8 L)
- 4 cups cranberry juice cocktail (950 ml)
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries, or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, if needed (25 g)
- Optional for grown-ups: bourbon or spiced rum, 1 oz (30 ml) per mug
How to make it
Add the cider, cranberry juice, oranges, cinnamon, cloves (pushed into an orange slice) and allspice to a 6-quart slow cooker. It will be nearly full; leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1 1/2 hours.
Taste and add brown sugar if needed. Remove the clove slice and turn to warm.
Put a ladle, cups and a bottle of bourbon (for grown-ups) beside the cooker.
Bring everything to a bare simmer in a large stockpot, then keep on the lowest heat for 30 minutes.
Glass: Insulated cups or mugs. Garnish: An orange half-moon and a cinnamon stick.
Chef's secrets
Put the whole spices in a tea ball or cheesecloth to skip the fishing.
Label the spiked bottle clearly so kids know which mugs are theirs.
Team colors: cranberry for red teams; swap in white grape juice for a golden pot.
Good to know
Keeps in the fridge for 5 days.
Holds on warm for up to 4 hours; perfect for a whole game. Pantry check: all shelf-stable except the oranges.
