Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Drink Recipe – Cinnamon & Nutmeg Bliss

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Drink Recipe – Cinnamon & Nutmeg Bliss

Hey everyone! As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting drinks. This Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Drink is exactly that – a hug in a mug! I first made this a few years ago during Diwali, and it’s become a tradition ever since. It fills the house with the most incredible aroma, and it’s so easy to make. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another apple drink. It’s a deeply flavorful, warming beverage perfect for chilly evenings, festive gatherings, or just when you need a little pick-me-up. The slow cooker does all the work, gently infusing the apples with warming spices. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free! It’s a simple recipe with a big impact.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy delight:

• 12 small local or organic apples (mixed variety, washed and chopped)
• 2-4 cinnamon sticks (cassia)
• 15 whole cloves
• 1 whole nutmeg
• Enough filtered water to cover apples (about 6-8 cups / 1.4 – 1.9 liters)
• To taste organic maple syrup (Grade B recommended)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about getting the most out of each ingredient. Trust me, a little attention here makes a huge difference!

Apples: Choosing the Right Variety

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! I love using a combination of sweet and tart apples – think Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith. Using different varieties adds complexity to the flavor. About 1.5 kg of apples is perfect.

Cinnamon Sticks: Cassia vs. Ceylon

You’ll notice I call for cassia cinnamon sticks. They have a bolder, more intense flavor, which I love in this drink. Ceylon cinnamon is milder and sweeter if you prefer a more delicate spice profile.

Whole Cloves: Freshness and Flavor

Whole cloves pack a much bigger punch than ground cloves. Make sure yours are fragrant! If they smell a little dull, they’re probably past their prime.

Whole Nutmeg: Grating vs. Using Whole

Using a whole nutmeg and grating it fresh is so worth it. The flavor is incredibly aromatic and vibrant. If you don’t have a grater, you can gently crack the nutmeg and add a few pieces directly to the slow cooker – just remember to strain them out later.

Filtered Water: Why It Matters

Using filtered water really allows the apple and spice flavors to shine through. Tap water can sometimes have a chlorine taste that can affect the final result.

Organic Maple Syrup: Grade B Recommendation & Alternatives

Grade B (now called Robust Taste) maple syrup has a richer, more complex flavor than Grade A. It complements the spices beautifully. However, you can use Grade A if that’s what you have. Jaggery or honey are also lovely alternatives, but will slightly alter the flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.

1. First, core and chop your apples, discarding any bruised bits. Leaving the peels on adds lovely color and extra flavor.
2. Now, toss those chopped apples into your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Pour in enough filtered water to just cover the apples. You don’t want them swimming, just nicely submerged.
4. Pop the lid on and cook on high heat for 4-8 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. I usually go for about 6 hours.
5. Once the apples are beautifully soft, it’s time to strain the mixture. Use a fine-mesh sieve or a few layers of cheesecloth to remove all the solids.
6. Finally, pour your spiced apple goodness into mugs and stir in maple syrup to taste. I usually start with a tablespoon per mug and adjust from there. Don’t forget to reserve the apple pulp – it’s amazing in chutney or applesauce!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Adjusting Sweetness: Maple syrup is my go-to, but feel free to experiment!
• Slow Cooker Temperature Control: If your slow cooker runs hot, you might want to reduce the cooking time to prevent the apples from becoming mushy.
• Preventing Sticking: While not usually an issue, a light coating of coconut oil on the bottom of the slow cooker can prevent any sticking.
• Infusion Time & Flavor Intensity: The longer it cooks, the stronger the spice flavor. Taste test after 4 hours and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Using Apple Scraps: Don’t throw away the leftover apple pulp! It’s fantastic for making applesauce or a flavorful apple chutney.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Ginger or Cardamom): A knob of grated ginger or a teaspoon of ground cardamom will add a lovely warmth and complexity. My friend, Priya, swears by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick!
• Festival Adaptation (Diwali or Christmas Spice Blend): For Diwali, add a pinch of saffron. For Christmas, try star anise and a little allspice.
• Serving Temperature – Hot vs. Warm: While traditionally served hot, this drink is also delicious warm.
• Using Different Sweeteners (Jaggery, Honey): Jaggery adds a lovely caramel note, while honey provides a floral sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This spiced apple drink is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• Garnishes (Apple Slices, Cinnamon Stick): A thin slice of apple and a cinnamon stick make a beautiful garnish.
• Pairing with Snacks (Biscuits, Nuts): Serve with some buttery biscuits or a handful of roasted nuts.
• Serving at Celebrations: This is a perfect drink to serve at Diwali, Christmas, or any other festive gathering.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover spiced apple drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing for Later Use: You can freeze the drink for up to 2 months. Just leave some headspace in the container as it will expand when frozen.
• Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use apple juice instead of water? You can, but it will make the drink very sweet. I recommend sticking with water and controlling the sweetness with maple syrup.
• What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stovetop? Absolutely! Simmer the apples and spices in a large pot on the stovetop for about 45-60 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
• How can I make this drink spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of grated ginger.
• Can I use pre-ground nutmeg and cloves? While it’s not ideal, you can. Use about half the amount as you would with whole spices.
• What can I do with the leftover apple pulp? Make applesauce, apple chutney, or add it to your morning oatmeal!
• Is this drink suitable for children? Yes, it is! Just be mindful of the amount of maple syrup you add.

Enjoy this warm, comforting drink! I hope it brings a little bit of joy to your day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!