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Easy Homemade Apple Cider

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 cups
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Wash and quarter apples, leaving peels and cores intact.
  2. Mix cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  3. Place apples in a large stockpot, sprinkle spice mix, and add cinnamon stick. Cover with water 2 inches above apples.
  4. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  5. Reduce to medium and cook uncovered 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  6. Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours.
  7. Cool 30 minutes, then strain through fine mesh sieve, pressing solids. Discard solids.
  8. 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.