Who knew making cider could be sooo simple? …easy as 1, 2, 3! Who knew you could throw everything in a slow cooker? And who knew pears make a great base for this comforting drink (instead of traditional apples)? Surprising, huh?, Delicious, Yes! All the flavors and smells of autumn are packed into this beverage. Not to mention how AMAZING this will make your house smell as it simmers all day. We have a pear tree in our back yard. 🙂 What better way to use up the pears?! A lot better than my husband running them over with the lawn mower, for sure! They’re versatile and delicious. I don’t know why the apples always have to steal the limelight.  But if you can’t shift your love to pears just yet…go ahead and try half apples and half pears. You’ll love it either way! 

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Slow Cooker Pear Cider

A timeless beverage, with a new spin...Sweet pears, simmered with spices in the slow cooker. An amazing homemade drink served hot or over ice.

Ingredients

  • 1 orange
  • 10-12 medium pears or use half pears/half apples
  • 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 16 cups water

Instructions

  1. Peel the orange and place in the slow cooker. Wash the pears, peel, roughly cut into quarters, and place in the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, nutmeg and sugars. Add enough water to cover the fruit.

  2. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours. (Or high heat for 3-4 hours.)

  3. After 6-7 hours, the fruit will be very soft. Use a large spoon or potato masher to mash the fruit.  Finish cooking on low for 1 additional hour.

  4. Slowly strain the cider though a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or pitcher. Discard the solids. Strain the cider one more time. Serve warm.  (or try cold, over ice.)

Recipe Notes

Cider will keep  in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It can also be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

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