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Spiced apple cider punch

Name: Spiced apple cider punch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups apple cider; 1 cup fresh orange juice; ¼ cup maple syrup (optional); 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving; 6 whole cloves; 3 star anise pods; 1 orange, sliced into rounds; 1 apple, thinly sliced

JTested in the MocktailParty kitchen

Apple cider simmered with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange. It makes the whole house smell like a party, and a slow cooker keeps it warm all night with no work from you.

10 min active
Slow cooker friendly
Vegan
Serve warm

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Instructions

Combine. Add the cider, orange juice, maple syrup if using, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange slices to a large pot or slow cooker.
Warm it gently. On the stove, bring to a bare simmer over medium-low heat, then lower the heat and let it steep 20 minutes. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 2 hours. Don't let it boil hard.
Strain the small spices. Scoop out the cloves and star anise so nobody gets one in their cup. Leave the cinnamon and orange in for looks.
Serve warm. Switch the slow cooker to warm. Set out a ladle, mugs, apple slices, and extra cinnamon sticks for stirring.

Hosting tip: Put the cloves and star anise in a tea infuser or a small square of cheesecloth before they go in. You can lift them out in one move instead of fishing for them.

Make it ahead

Make it a day ahead, strain, and refrigerate. Rewarm on the stove or in the slow cooker 1 hour before guests arrive.

Variations

Add 2 cups of cranberry juice for a pink holiday version. For a cold party punch, chill it overnight and top each glass with sparkling apple cider.

What you'll need

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Questions

What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Cider is cloudy and less filtered, with a fuller apple flavor. Juice works in a pinch but tastes sweeter and thinner.

Is apple cider alcoholic?

Apple cider sold in the US grocery juice aisle is non-alcoholic. Hard cider is the alcoholic version and is sold with beer and wine.

Is this safe for pregnant guests?

Use pasteurized cider, which is what most grocery stores sell. Unpasteurized cider from farm stands isn't recommended during pregnancy unless it's heated to a boil.

How long can it sit out?

Keep it on the slow cooker's warm setting for up to 4 hours. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 5 days.