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Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider Margarita – Easy Fall Cocktail for a Crowd

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This warm, spiked apple cider margarita is the perfect fall cocktail for a crowd. Made in the slow cooker with tequila, apple cider, and warm spices, it’s incredibly easy and always a hit at parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apple cider (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 ½ cups silver tequila (e.g., Espolón or Hornitos)
  • ½ cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 orange (sliced into rounds)
  • 1 apple (sliced into thin rounds for garnish)
  • ¼ cup coarse sugar (for rim, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rim, optional)
  • Lime wedge (for rim, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Plug in your slow cooker and set it to low heat. If short on time, high heat works too—just reduce cooking time by half.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider, tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and maple syrup (if using) into the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  3. Add the spices and fruit: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Float the orange slices on top. Do not stir too aggressively.
  4. Cook on low: Cover and let it simmer on low for 2 to 3 hours. The longer it goes, the more the flavors meld.
  5. Check the flavor: After 2 hours, taste it. Adjust sweetness with more lime juice or maple syrup as needed.
  6. Prepare the rims (optional): Mix coarse sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of each mug, then dip into the sugar mixture. Set aside to dry.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle the warm margarita into prepared mugs. Garnish each with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
  8. Keep warm for serving: Leave the slow cooker on warm setting throughout your gathering. Stir occasionally to redistribute the spices.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit tequila and orange liqueur, add extra apple cider, a splash of orange juice, and a dash of vanilla extract. If the drink tastes too boozy, simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, margarita, fall cocktail, tequila, warm cocktail, party drink, spiked cider

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/slow-cooker-spiked-apple-cider-margarita-easy-fall-cocktail-for-a-crowd/