If there is one thing that I crave whenever the winter season arrives, it’s an amazing homemade apple cider.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make, it’s incredibly flavorful and way better than anything you can buy in the store.
So, let’s start mixing the ingredients.
Homemade Apple Cider
Learn how to use fresh apples to make this rich homemade apple cider that will become your new comfort drink.
Ingredients
- 10–12 medium apples (assorted types), quartered
- 2 oranges, quartered (also peeled, if you would like your cider less tart*)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- optional extra seasonings: 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 whole nutmeg, and/or 1 inch fresh ginger
- 16 cups water, more or less
- 1/2 cup sweetener (I recommend brown sugar or maple syrup)
Instructions
1. Gather and Combine Ingredients: Toss your apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any extra spices you fancy into a large stockpot.
Pour in enough water to cover the fruit, leaving about 1-2 inches at the top to prevent overflow.
2. Simmer Away: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot.
After that, let it gently simmer for about 2 hours until the apples become super soft and mushy.
3. Mash the Fruit: Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the softened apples and oranges against the side of the pot to release even more flavor. Cover again and let it simmer for another hour.
4. Strain the Cider: Move all of the mashed fruit into a glass pitcher. Grab a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and carefully strain out all the solids (fruit and spices).
Press them to squeeze out every last drop of juice. Discard the leftover bits.
5. Add Sweetness: Stir in your preferred sweetener to taste—whether it’s sugar, honey, or maple syrup—until it’s just how you like it.
6. Serve It Up: Your delicious homemade cider is ready to be enjoyed! Garnish with fresh orange slices and a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it warm.
If you want to save some for later, let it cool to room temperature and store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months! You can also pour it into several bottles.
What’s amazing about this recipe is that it’s not only very easy to make, but it’s also a perfect cider to serve for your guests during the winter season.