Description
This easy homemade apple cider recipe transforms fresh apples and warming spices into a fragrant autumn beverage. Slow-simmered to perfection, it delivers complex flavor, cozy aromas, and superior nutrition compared to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 fresh apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar)
- Optional: ginger slices, orange peel, star anise, cardamom pods
Instructions
- Wash and quarter apples, leaving peels and cores intact.
- Mix cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Place apples in a large stockpot, sprinkle spice mix, and add cinnamon stick. Cover with water 2 inches above apples.
- Bring to boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
- Reduce to medium and cook uncovered 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours.
- Cool 30 minutes, then strain through fine mesh sieve, pressing solids. Discard solids.
- Strain again through cheesecloth or coffee filter for clarity.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor. Double straining ensures smooth, professional-quality cider. Adjust sweetener and spices to personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade apple cider, fall drink recipe, spiced apple cider, autumn beverage