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Apple Cider Bar

Apple cider bar with mulled cider simmered gently with cinnamon sticks and orange slices, served as a self-serve dispenser. Guests customize each mug with caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and cinnamon-sugar rim for a warm fall drink.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple cider bar base
  • 8 cup apple cider Use store-bought or homemade. Keep warm for serving.
  • 4 cinnamon sticks For infusing the cider with warm spice.
  • 2 orange slices Adds bright citrus aroma to the mulled cider.
  • 0.25 cup caramel sauce Serve as a topping for drizzling.
  • Whipped cream Optional topping for guests.
  • Cinnamon sugar, for rimming mugs Rim mugs before serving.

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Method
 

Mulled cider
  1. Add apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices to a slow cooker and heat on low. Keep at a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes, watching for steam and spice aroma.
  2. Turn the slow cooker to low and hold the cider warm until serving. Keep it hot but not boiling for easy self-serve pouring.
Set up the cider bar
  1. Rim mugs with cinnamon sugar for rimming mugs before guests arrive. Arrange the mugs in a line so each one is ready to fill.
  2. Place caramel sauce and whipped cream in small serving bowls near the mugs. Set them so guests can easily add toppings without waiting.
  3. Transfer the warm mulled cider to a large dispenser if you have one, or pour from the slow cooker. Ladle carefully into mugs as guests self-serve.
  4. Let guests customize their own mugs with caramel sauce and whipped cream. Encourage each person to add toppings to taste.

Notes

Keep the cider warm on low in a slow cooker throughout the party so the spices stay fragrant. Store leftover cider in the refrigerator up to 3 days and rewarm gently; freeze yes for up to 2 months. Dietary swap: use a caramel sauce labeled dairy-free and choose dairy-free whipped cream for a lactose-free option.