The Most Comforting Way to Drink Juice When the Weather Cools

Name: Hot Grape Cider
Cook time: 6 1/2 hours
Cuisine: North American

Updated on Aug 23, 2015 at 2:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

I have a serious obsession with concord grapes and concord grape jam. Nothing compares to that naturally jelly mouthfeel and ultrasweet flavor, so I'm always on the lookout for new ways to eat concord grapes during their short season. This slow-cooker cider caught my attention. The grapes cook down into a velvety drink that tastes incredible alone but can be spiked with a splash of bourbon if you so desire. The purple hue also makes it a ghoulish drink to serve up at a Halloween party, straight out of the slow cooker!

Hot Grape Cider

Cook Time6 1/2 hours

Yield14-16 servings

From Evelyn Page, Fix-It and Forget-It: Slow Cooker Magic

INGREDIENTS

5 pounds concord grapes, off the stems
8 cups water, divided
3/4 cup sugar
4 whole cloves
2 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
Dash nutmeg, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine grapes and 2 cups water in 5-6 quart slow cooker. Cook on high until steaming, 2-3 hours.
Press grapes and liquid through strainer (may line strainer with cheesecloth if you wish — I don't bother). Discard skins and seeds.
Pour grape juice back into slow cooker. Add remaining 6 cups water and rest of ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Discard cloves and cinnamon sticks. Serve hot.

Notes

I store leftover cider in the fridge and reheat it cup by cup in the microwave. Lovely as a breakfast drink in chilly weather instead of cold juice. Good go-alongs with this recipe: We love this with popcorn on an Autumn Sunday evening.

The Most Comforting Way to Drink Juice When the Weather Cools

Hot Grape Cider

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

Notes

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