This Slow Cooker Pear Cider recipe is the perfect warm and cozy drink for fall and winter. Made with a combination of apple cider, pear juice, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
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Check out my Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup and my Creamy Beef Taco Soup for more fall weather recipes!
Slow cooker pear cider is a warm and delicious drink that's perfect for fall and winter gatherings. Plus, it's a comforting drink that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
By cooking the cider in a slow cooker, you allow the flavors to blend together and create a rich and aromatic beverage that's perfect. It's a delightful drink that's sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious and flavorful cider ready to serve in no time.
- This recipe is perfect for serving at fall and winter gatherings, as it's a warm and comforting drink that everyone can enjoy.
- Made with natural ingredients like apple cider, pear juice, and honey, this cider is a healthier alternative to store-bought drinks that are often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors.
- This cider can be served hot or cold, and it's a great base for adding other flavors like citrus or ginger.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Apple Cider: The base of the cider and gives it a rich and sweet apple flavor.
- Pear Juice: Adds a subtle sweetness and a unique flavor to the cider.
- Honey: a natural sweetener that adds depth and richness.
- Cinnamon Sticks: A classic spice used in cider recipes.
- Whole Cloves: An aromatic spice that adds a slightly bitter and warm flavor to the cider.
- Ground Nutmeg: A warm and nutty spice that complements the other flavors in the cider.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: In the slow cooker, combine the apple cider, pear juice and honey.
Step 2: Add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and whole cloves. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cider is hot and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves from the cider. Ladle the cider into glasses or mugs and serve hot.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Adjust the sweetness and spices to your taste. This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey or spices to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can add more honey, or if you prefer a spicier cider, you can add more cinnamon or cloves.
- Strain the cider before serving. To remove any spices or sediment, strain the cider before serving it.
- Serve hot or cold. This cider can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. If serving it cold, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Apple Pear Cider: Add cranberry juice to the recipe for a tangy twist, and increase the cinnamon and cloves to add more warmth to the drink.
- Vanilla Bean Apple Pear Cider: Add a vanilla bean to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients to give the cider a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Ginger Apple Pear Cider: Add freshly grated ginger to the slow cooker to give the cider a spicy kick.
- Orange Apple Pear Cider: Add some freshly squeezed orange juice to the recipe to give the cider a citrusy twist.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Store the cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pour the cider into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature.
Freezing: Let the cider cool to room temperature, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Cider can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. To thaw, transfer the cider from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can then reheat the cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm.
Recipe FAQ's
While apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider, keep in mind that it may not have the same depth of flavor and natural sweetness that apple cider provides.
Yes, you can make this recipe on the stove instead of in a slow cooker. Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the cider before serving.
Yes, you can make this recipe without honey. If you prefer a less sweet cider, you can omit the honey altogether, or use a smaller amount.
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Slow Cooker Pear Cider
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 4 cups pear juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the apple cider, pear juice and honey.
- Add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and whole cloves. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cider is hot and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves from the cider. Ladle the cider into glasses or mugs and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey or spices to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can add more honey, or if you prefer a spicier cider, you can add more cinnamon or cloves.
- To remove any spices or sediment, strain the cider before serving it.
- This cider can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. If serving it cold, let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Storing: Store the cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat, pour the cider into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Freezing: Let the cider cool to room temperature, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Cider can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. To thaw, transfer the cider from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can then reheat the cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Shelley
Oh my goodness - the sensational smell is the perfect way to welcome guests for a fall party or bonfire! Love that it's made in the slow cooker, and has the fun twist of adding pear juice to the traditional cider. Oh - and great tip on not adding the alcohol until the end - thanks!
Roxana
Perfect for this time of the year. I love apple cider and so glad to find this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Nathan
I can already imagine how incredible this would smell, and I've never thought to add pear juice into apple cider! So easy and delicious! 🙂
Carrie Robinson
So perfect for fall! And I just love that this is made in the slow cooker. 🙂