Name: Slow cooker caramel apple cider
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 gallon apple cider; 1/2 cup Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup; whipped cream; cinnamon

Caramel apple cider is the perfect warm drink for a chilly fall or winter day. Make it for your next gathering or enjoy it with your family on a snow day.

slow cooker caramel apple cider in a mug with whipped cream topping

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Keri Houchin earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

This post was sponsored by Torani in 2016. It was updated in 2020 to improve the reader experience.

Hosting a holiday gathering this fall is easy when you have a signature drink you can share with your guests. This slow cooker caramel apple cider is simple and delicious. It fills your house with warm, sweet, and spicy smells. Best of all, you can keep it warm in the slow cooker for a hot drink bar at your next party.

Where I live in Texas, cooler fall weather usually arrives just in time for Thanksgiving. I love setting up my slow cooker and putting together a little drink station.

a mug of apple cider on a green and purple plaid tablecloth

Whether you’re inviting friends over just to hang out or are hosting a big Thanksgiving meal, having a hot drink in the slow cooker to keep warm is an easy way to serve a hot drink without much effort.

I don’t know about you, but I have so many things on my Thanksgiving Day to-do list that anything I can set and forget is perfect.

This recipe actually only has two main ingredients: apple cider and Torani Bourbon Caramel Syrup. I didn’t create this to be a copycat recipe, but it tastes really similar to Starbucks’ Caramel Apple Cider!

mug of warm cider on a green tablecloth with an orange dish towel

How to set up a hot drink station

Setting up a hot drink station is simple. All you need is a little counter space near an outlet so you can keep the slow cooker plugged in.

I put out a pretty tablecloth and fall decorations. Then I set out all the accessories my houseguests will need to make their drinks:

coffee mugs
a ladle for the cider
drink toppings
napkins
stir sticks

table with a slow cooker and a jug of cider, can of whipped cream, bottles of Torani syrup, and a big ladle

Caramel apple cider tips and tricks

1. Add liquid flavors.

I used Torani syrups because they are so easy to dissolve and stir in. If you add dry spices, they can make your drink gritty – or just sink to the bottom of the Crock-Pot.

2. Choose fresh apple cider.

Any apple cider is fine in this recipe, but if your grocery store has fresh apple cider, the flavor will be stronger. You can also use apple juice in a pinch, but you’ll need to add more spices to get the cider flavor.

3. Try homemade whipped cream.

I often just buy a spray container of whipped cream. It’s definitely easier, especially on a holiday when I already have a ton of cooking to do. But if you have the time, try making your own whipped cream for a fresh vanilla flavor.

4. Make this recipe for one or two.

The recipe below makes a lot and it’s perfect for serving a crowd. If you just want to make enough for one or two people, divide the recipe by 8. Each mug should get 8 ounces of cider and 1 tablespoon of syrup.

closeup of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon on top of a hot drink

How to make caramel apple cider

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Add cider to slow cooker.

Carefully pour the apple cider into the slow cooker. I used a 3-quart slow cooker; be careful not to overfill yours.

Heat on low for one hour, or until the cider is hot, and then switch to warm

2. Add caramel syrup.

Add the Bourbon Caramel Syrup and stir.

The slow cooker can stay on warm until ready to serve and through your party. (Turn off when empty or allow leftovers to cool before covering and refrigerating.)

3. Serve when ready.

For each serving, ladle the cider into a mug. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Printable recipe

Yield: 8 cups