The cold weather is a sign that it is definitely a good time to break out your slow cooker. My slow cooker is one of my favorite and most used kitchen appliances. I highly recommend investing in one, or maybe asking for one like this for Christmas this year! It's a very versatile appliance and can really prepare anything with the countless slow cooker recipes out there: soups, chili, vegetables, roasts, even dessert! Have you ever considered making slow cooker drinks? Your Crock-Pot game is about to change.
Your slow cooker is also a great way to save you time in the kitchen and can do wonders for you when you're short on time. Whether you're whipping up dinner or looking for new uses for your trusty slow cooker, try out these cozy, adults-only slow cooker drink recipes that are perfect for this season.
1. Spiced Red Wine
This slow cooker spiced red wine is full of flavor and spices like apple cider, brandy, orange zest, cardamom, star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves.
This big batch cocktail is a true crowd-pleaser and is so Pinterest-worthy, it'll even make your house smell divine. Here's the recipe.
2. Spiked Nutella Hot Chocolate
Nutella, bourbon (or your choice of liqueur), and toasted marshmallows make one amazing boozy cocktail! This is one warm drink you'll keep making through the summer when hot drinks aren't on the menu.
Make sure you sip this by the fire! Here's the hot chocolate recipe.
3. Wassail Punch
This is one of my favorite cold weather drinks that is especially fitting for the holidays and any Christmas parties you might attend. The whole spices (cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns and ginger root) are combined and tied into a piece of cheesecloth. The spice bag floats in a slow cooker filled with apple cider, cranberry juice and brown sugar.
Before serving, one ounce of bourbon is poured into each mug and topped with the hot Wassail. You have to try this recipe just made for the holiday spirit. It's like a spiced apple cider, but better.
4. Slow Cooker Red Sangria
Step away from the traditional slow cooker mulled wine for your next holiday party and give this recipe a shot instead. This warm, fruity sangria recipe is delicious and simple to prepare. It combines red wine, brandy, triple sec, pomegranate juice and sugar.
Cinnamon sticks, diced pears, and apples are added to soak in all the flavors from the liquid ingredients. Find the recipe here.
5. Apple Cider White Sangria
If you prefer white sangria, this perfect slow cooker apple cider sangria is for you! Hot apple cider is one of the best things about the holiday season, and when you add wine, you have the perfect slow cooker recipe.
This warm beverage recipe is similar to the red sangria recipe above, but uses apple cider and white wine. Find the playful take on an apple cider recipe here.
6. Ginger-Lemon Hot Toddy
This comforting cocktail will seriously warm you up, no matter what time of year it is. Water, lemon juice, crystallized & fresh ginger, honey, rum and brandy are combined to make this drink.
One of the healthy recipes on this list, this cocktail also has the potential to cure a cold—forget the medicine! Try out this recipe.
7. Spiked White Chocolate Hot Cocoa
For this rich and decadent cocktail, white chocolate, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract are cooked in a slow cooker on low heat for around 2 hours. For extra decadence, you can add a swig of hot buttered rum for extra creaminess.
Before serving the white hot chocolate, each mug is spiked with some coffee liqueur and topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. This cocktail sounds like the perfect after dinner drink to me! Here is the recipe.
8. Slow Cooker Pear Cider
You have to put this cider recipe on your to-do list! This recipe uses pear cider, which you make first in your slow cooker. Assorted pears and oranges are placed in the slow cooker along with cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Water is poured over everything, and the mixture is allowed to cook on either the high or low setting.
Once finished cooking, the fruit is mashed, cooked for another hour or so and strained for a nice smooth consistency. Maple syrup is stirred in to sweeten things up as well as your alcohol of choice, like spiced rum or bourbon. Let your slow cooker work it's magic with this recipe!
9. Caramel Apple Cocktail
This cocktail will sort of make you feel like a kid again be a there is candy involved! Apple cider, apple liqueur, spiced rum, caramel syrup, cinnamon sticks and apples are placed in a slow cooker for a little over an hour. This is one cocktail that will make your home smell incredible.
This drink is served warm with a caramel apple lollipop! Perfect for stirring. Here is the recipe.
10. Spiked Cranberry Cider
Sit back, relax and let your slow cooker do all the work for this festive cocktail. Cranberry juice, apple cider, brown sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries are simmered together.
Each drink is served with the juices and dark rum. This beautifully red cocktail will be a stunner to you guests! Find the recipe here.
11. Cinnamon Pumpkin Toddy
This comforting drink combines fun flavors that you have to try! In a slow cooker, mix together water, maple syrup and canned pumpkin. Cook this for a few hours and add in rye whiskey and cinnamon schnapps.
That's it, pretty easy, right? To take this to the next level, serve with whipped cream or even cinnamon whipped cream. Get the recipe here.
12. Boozy Vanilla Latte
This creamy drink is a great way to indulge. Delicious Kahlua, coffee (I love the addition of a little caffeine!), milk and vanilla syrup are whisked together and cooked on high for about two hours. Pour into mugs and be sure to serve with whipped cream! It doesn't get any better! Here's the recipe.
Which slow cooker cocktail is your favorite? Will you be serving any this holiday season? Sit back and let your slow cooker do the work!
