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Homemade Apple Cider Recipe - Warm Fall Drink Everyone Loves

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 cups
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Wash apples and oranges. Quarter apples (remove stems, keep cores). Quarter oranges with peels.
  2. Add fruit, cinnamon, cloves, and optional spices to large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
  3. Cover with water by 1–2 inches. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and simmer 2 hours.
  4. Mash softened fruit with potato masher. Simmer 30–60 minutes more.
  5. Strain mixture through cheesecloth-lined strainer. Press solids to extract juice.
  6. Return strained cider to pot. Stir in brown sugar or sweetener to taste.
  7. 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.