Description
A cozy, homemade apple cider recipe made with fresh apples, oranges, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Simmered slowly for hours, this comforting fall drink delivers authentic flavor and warmth without preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji)
- 2 oranges, quartered (peels on)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 16 cups filtered water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- Optional: 1 whole nutmeg
- Optional: 1-inch piece fresh ginger
Instructions
- Wash apples and oranges. Quarter apples (remove stems, keep cores). Quarter oranges with peels.
- Add fruit, cinnamon, cloves, and optional spices to large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Cover with water by 1–2 inches. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and simmer 2 hours.
- Mash softened fruit with potato masher. Simmer 30–60 minutes more.
- Strain mixture through cheesecloth-lined strainer. Press solids to extract juice.
- Return strained cider to pot. Stir in brown sugar or sweetener to taste.
- Keep warm on low heat until serving.
Notes
Use a mix of apple varieties for best balance of sweet and tart flavor. Always sweeten after straining to prevent bitterness. Double-strain cider for a smooth, clear result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade apple cider, spiced cider, fall drink, warm apple cider, autumn beverage