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Cozy Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider Margarita

slow cooker spiked apple cider margarita - featured image
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A warm, spiced apple cider margarita made in the slow cooker with tequila, orange liqueur, and cozy fall spices. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) silver tequila
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • Orange slices and apple slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep your slow cooker: Rinse and dry a 6-quart slow cooker. Set to low heat.
  2. Combine the cider and sugar: Pour 8 cups apple cider into the slow cooker. Add ¼ cup packed brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
  3. Add the whole spices: Drop in cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise (if using). Ensure they are submerged.
  4. Heat the cider base: Cover and heat on low for 2-3 hours until hot and fragrant.
  5. Add the alcohol and lime juice: Remove lid. Stir in tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Heat for another 15-20 minutes on low.
  6. Taste and adjust: Ladle a small amount and adjust sweetness, strength, or citrus as desired.
  7. Prepare the garnishes: Slice orange and apple into thin rounds. Optionally rim mugs with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into mugs, including a cinnamon stick or star anise if possible. Float fruit slices on top. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not boil the cider; keep on low heat to avoid bitterness and alcohol evaporation. Taste as you go to adjust sweetness and strength. For a non-alcoholic version, omit tequila and orange liqueur, add extra apple cider and orange juice. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, margarita, spiked, fall, cocktail, warm, cozy

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-slow-cooker-spiked-apple-cider-margarita/