Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 mediumapples
quartered, assorted types
- 2oranges
quartered, also peeled, if you would like your cider less tart*
- 4cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbspwhole cloves
- optional extra seasonings: 1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg, and/or 1 inch fresh ginger
- 16 cwater
more or less
- ½ csweetener
i recommend brown sugar or maple syrup
Directions
- 1
Combine your ingredients in a stockpot. Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves and (optional) extra seasonings to a large stockpot. Cover with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the stockpot.
- 2
Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft.
- 3
Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the stockpot to release more of their flavors. Then cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
- 4
Using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Discard the solids.
- 5
Stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
- 6
Then, your cider is all ready to go! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the stockpot for pretty serving. But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy. Or feel free to let the cider cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed pitcher and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
Homemade Apple Cider
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting warmth and inviting aroma of classic apple cider? This homemade apple cider recipe lets you craft the perfect cup right in your own kitchen, effortlessly. It’s an ideal way to embrace the cozy season, filling your home with a truly delightful fragrance.
What makes this homemade apple cider truly special is its incredible customizability. You have complete control over the sweetness level, ensuring every sip is exactly to your liking. The blend of fresh apples and oranges, simmered with warming spices, creates a flavor profile that’s both vibrant and deeply comforting, far surpassing anything store-bought.
Expect a beautifully aromatic and wonderfully balanced drink. This cider delivers a rich, fruit-forward taste, brightened by citrus and underscored by the classic notes of cinnamon and clove. Depending on whether you peel your oranges, you can lean into a slightly tarter, more invigorating profile or a mellow, purely sweet experience. It's a remarkably satisfying beverage that feels both luxurious and genuinely homemade.
Tailoring your cider is part of the fun! Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener, with brown sugar or maple syrup being excellent choices for depth of flavor. For a less tart cider, simply peel your oranges before adding them to the pot. You can also experiment with additional optional seasonings like whole allspice, a whole nutmeg, or a slice of fresh ginger to add layers of complexity.
This heartwarming beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings, a festive party, or simply a quiet evening by the fire. Serve it steaming hot in your favorite mug, perhaps with an extra cinnamon stick for garnish.