Description
Classic Homemade Apple Cider is a warm, comforting beverage made by simmering a mix of sweet and tart apples with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This recipe produces about 8 cups of flavorful cider perfect for enjoying hot during chilly days or chilled as a refreshing drink. Optional additions like orange, ginger, or maple syrup can personalize the flavor, and the cider can also be spiked for an adult twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 1 orange, quartered (optional: peel removed for less bitterness)
Spices and Sweeteners
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½–¾ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: star anise, fresh ginger slices, or maple syrup for flavor variations
Liquids
- 8–10 cups water
Instructions
- Prep the Fruit: Wash the apples thoroughly, core them if desired (though not required), and cut each apple into quarters. Place the apple quarters along with the quartered orange slices into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
- Add Spice and Simmer: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, nutmeg, and brown sugar to the pot. Pour in enough water (between 8 to 10 cups) to fully cover the fruit and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours until the apples are very soft and mashable.
- Mash and Strain: Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the apples and oranges in the pot, breaking them down to release maximum flavor. Continue to simmer the mashed mixture for another 30 minutes to deepen the flavor. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or clean pot, pressing on the solids to extract every drop of cider.
- Serve Hot or Cold: Taste the cider and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup. Serve the cider hot with a cinnamon stick garnish, or chill it and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. For an adult version, consider spiking the cider with bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey.
Notes
- Do not peel the apples as the skins add flavor and color to the cider.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best depth of flavor.
- Leftover apple pulp can be reused to make apple butter, compote, or muffins.
- Freeze extra cider in batches for future cozy nights.
- Optional flavor additions like sliced ginger, star anise, or vanilla extract can be added for a variety of twists.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
