makes 12-14 servings
1 gallon unsweetened apple cider
5 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon cardamom pods
5 whole star anise
1 orange, sliced thin
1 apple, sliced thin
additional orange slices, apple slices, and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish
1. Add the apple cider to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks to the cider.
2. Add the spices to a tea infuser ball, or wrap in a double layer of cheesecloth or coffee filter and tie closed with a string. Add the spice pouch to the cider.
3. Top the cider with the sliced orange and apple.
4. Heat on low for four hours. Serve hot with cinnamon sticks and sliced fruit for garnish.