Fall-Inspired Drinks to Make in Your Slow Cooker

There's nothing quite like wearing your favorite comfy sweater, hearing the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, and sipping deliciously warm holiday drinks on a beautiful fall day. The best part (apart from actually enjoying them) is that you can make holiday beverages in a slow cooker with minimal effort. So while you're out picking pumpkins or taking in the scenic hues of the autumn season, you (or actually your Crockpot™) can make a fall-inspired hot beverage, and have it waiting for you to enjoy when you return home.

Since fall is entertaining season, why not share your slow cooker drinks with family and friends? With a Crockpot™ 7-Qt. Cook & Carry™ Digital Countdown Slow Cooker, you can take your seasonal drinks over to your hosts’ houses to add to the festivities. Designed to make transport easier than ever, this slow cooker is ideal for making your favorite warm drink or cocktail, then taking it on the go! It’s the perfect way to make Thanksgiving, friendsgiving, and holiday parties a little bit easier, and a little more special. Need some inspiration? Here are 3 of our favorite non-alcoholic holiday drinks..

Maple Pumpkin Spiced Latte

The perfect combination of sweet and creamy, this coffee-inspired drink will warm you up on even the chilliest of days. This is a fun beverage to enjoy with friends, especially if you opt for a splash of rum in each glass.

Ingredients
• 4 cups espresso or very strong coffee
• 8 cups milk 
• 3/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not flavored)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Rum, optional
• Whipped cream, optional

Directions
1. Brew espresso or, if using a drip coffee maker, brew very strong coffee.
2. Combine espresso or coffee, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. Stir to incorporate.
4. Cover and set on high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. If desired, add 1 shot of rum to each mug before pouring the latte.
6. Top each mug with whipped cream.
7. Any leftovers can be saved and reheated later.

Caramel Apple Cider

Complement the fruity, fresh apple flavor of cider with a seasonal splash of caramel. This warm and tasty libation is great for enjoying after a day at the apple orchard or an evening cheering on your local football team.

Ingredients
• 12 cups apple juice
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup jarred caramel sauce, plus more for topping
• Whipped cream

Directions
1. Heat apple juice and cinnamon sticks in your slow cooker for 4 hours on high.
2. The cinnamon sticks should be softened and uncurled.
3. Just before serving, stir in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and blend well.
4. Serve in mugs and drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a garnish.

Spiced White Hot Chocolate

Perfect for spicing up a lazy Sunday morning spent reading the newspaper, serve this decadent treat with fresh-baked muffins and scones. It'll make your weekend just a little more indulgent and relaxing.

Ingredients
• 8 ounces white chocolate, broken into pieces
• 4 cups half and half 
• 2 cups milk
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
• 4 sticks cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients in your slow cooker.
2. Cover and set on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve hot.
4. Enjoy!.