For a Thanksgiving crowd, gently heat fresh apple cider with whole spices in a slow cooker or a large pot, and keep it warm rather than boiling it. Plan on about one cup per person, plus a little extra for refills. A gallon serves roughly 10 to 12 mugs. See the Thanksgiving guide, Thanksgiving table, drinks and activities, non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks, and Thanksgiving punch.
Use whole spices and gentle heat
Pour the cider into a slow cooker or a heavy pot. Add a few cinnamon sticks, a small handful of whole cloves or allspice berries, and a few slices of orange. A knob of fresh ginger is optional. If you use loose cloves, tie the spices in a square of cheesecloth so no one gets a whole clove in a mug. Heat the cider on low until it is steaming and fragrant, about 30 to 45 minutes, then switch a slow cooker to the warm setting. Do not let it boil hard, which can make the cider taste flat and overly sweet. Taste and add a little brown sugar or maple only if the cider needs it; many fresh ciders are already sweet.
Keep it warm for the afternoon
A slow cooker is the easiest way to keep a big batch on the sideboard for hours. If you are using a pot, keep it on the lowest burner and put out a ladle and a stack of mugs. Leave a small pitcher of unsweetened cider or water nearby for anyone who wants it less spiced. You can make the cider a few hours ahead and hold it on warm. Related: how to make coffee for a Thanksgiving crowd for later in the day, and what wine pairs with Thanksgiving turkey if you are offering both.
A spiked option, kept separate
If some adults want a stronger drink, keep the main pot alcohol-free and let people add a splash of rum or bourbon in their own mugs. That way kids and anyone who does not drink can still use the slow cooker. Label the ladle and the mugs clearly if you do set out a second, spiked pot. Leftover plain cider can be cooled and refrigerated for a few days, then reheated gently. Do not leave a pot of cider sitting at warm room temperature overnight.
Frequently asked questions
How much apple cider do I need for a crowd?
Plan on about one 8-ounce cup per person, plus a little extra. A gallon usually covers 10 to 12 mugs.
Can I make mulled cider in a slow cooker?
Yes. Heat it on low until it is steaming, then hold it on warm. Avoid a hard boil.
What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Fresh cider is usually unfiltered and cloudier, with a fresher apple flavor. Clear apple juice works in a pinch, but cider gives a better mulled drink.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 2-Cup and 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Set — Useful if you are portioning cider into a pot or adding a little maple or water.
- Everyday White Porcelain Oval Serving Platter, 16-Inch — A platter can hold a stack of mugs next to the slow cooker so guests can serve themselves.
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — Handy for storing leftover spices or for chilling leftover cider once it has cooled.
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