Apple Cider Turkey Brine
This easy-to-make Turkey Brine recipe is made with lots of apple cider, salt, and all the right spices. Your turkey will be so incredibly moist and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 cupsapple cider (unfiltered recommended (not apple cider vinegar))
- ⅝ cupkosher salt
- 1 tablespoonblack peppercorns ( coarsely crushed)
- 1 tablespoonwhole allspice ( coarsely crushed)
- 6whole cloves
- 2bay leaves
- 8 cupsice
- 12 poundturkey (ensure its fully thawed if previously frozen, turkey size can vary, double the brine recipe for turkeys 20+ pounds)
- 2valencia oranges (quartered)
Directions
- 1
Combine 8 cups apple cider, 2/3 cup kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon whole allspice, 6 whole cloves, and 2 bay leaves in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes until salt dissolves. Chill completely in refrigerator before using. (Note: If short on time, you can skip heating the brine and just combine the ingredients. Heating the mixture just ensures the salt dissolves).
- 2
Remove giblets and neck from your 12 pound turkey and refrigerate until ready to use, reserving for gravy recipe. Rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with 2 Valencia oranges. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a large stockpot. Place turkey inside bag. Add cold cider mixture and 8 cups ice. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible. Twist top and secure with twist tie or tuck the end so that it stays put. Refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours, turning turkey occasionally.
- 3
Once done, remove turkey from its bag and discard brine and orange quarters. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- 4
Cook turkey using your favorite method.