Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

This easy homemade apple cider recipe features fresh apples, citrus, and warm spices. It’s a cozy fall drink perfect for holidays, parties, or chilly nights. Whether you like it warm in a mug or chilled over ice, this homemade apple cider will become your go-to fall beverage. It’s so much better than a store-bought version. The homemade cider is made with real ingredients, and you can make it sweeter or spicier according to your own taste.

It is very comforting to make it from scratch at home, while the cozy aroma of simmering apples, cinnamon, and spices fills your kitchen on a crisp fall day.

Apple cider is more than just a drink—it’s a seasonal tradition that brings warmth and comfort with every sip.

What Is Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a traditional fall drink made with a blend of fresh apples, warm spices, sugar, and water, simmered into a warm, cozy beverage. Unlike filtered and pasteurized apple juice, cider is rich, slightly tangy, and naturally infused with seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s a comfort drink on chilly days and perfect for festive holiday gatherings.

Why Make Apple Cider at Home?

• The recipe is easy-it does not require much active time.
• Homemade apple cider is fresher and healthier-made with real ingredients (fresh apple, spices, sugar, and water)
• It is more customizable than store-bought versions-you can control the sweetness, add your favorite spices, and adjust the flavor intensity.
• Bonus– your kitchen will smell amazing while it simmers, and it is so comforting on cold days!

Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider

To make apple cider at home, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh fruit:

• 4 lbs.-it is about 9-10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart works best)
• an orange
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks (or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, but it will affect the colour)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• water to cover the fruit

How to Make Apple Cider at Home

1. Prepare the fruit – Wash the apples, no need to peel them, just cut them into quarters. Peel and slice the orange.
2. Simmer – Place apples, orange slices, sugar, and spices in a large pot. Add water to cover the fruit. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
3. Mash – Remove the cinnamon sticks and, using a potato masher, press the softened fruit. Place cinnamon sticks back in the pot, cover, and simmer for an additional hour.
4. Strain– strain through a fine mesh sieve. Press with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible and discard the fruit pulp. While the cider is still warm, taste and adjust the sweetness.
5. Serve – Enjoy warm with extra cinnamon sticks or chilled over ice.

Tips and Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, add fresh ginger, nutmeg, or star anise.
• If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon, but it will affect the colour
• You can substitute ground cloves with 2 tsp whole cloves.
• To make it spiked apple cider, stir in a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy before serving.
• Store leftover cider in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  

FAQ About Homemade Apple Cider

1. What apples are best for apple cider?
   • A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. Using different varieties makes your cider more balanced and complex. Sweet apples are Honeycrisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Gala, Pink Lady… And for tart apples, you can use Granny Smith, MacIntosh, Braeburn, or Jonathan.
2. Can I make apple cider without sugar?
   • Yes! If you use just naturally sweet apples, and not the tart, you may not need added sugar at all. For a healthier version, start with no sugar and add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar only if needed.
3. How long does homemade apple cider last?
   • Homemade apple cider will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make apple cider in a slow cooker?
   • Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 5-7 hours or on high for 3 hours. Mash and cook for another hour, then strain and serve.
5. What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
   • Apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, and usually sweeter, while cider is unfiltered and spiced, with a richer, deeper flavor. Homemade apple cider is more rustic and aromatic.

Making this easy homemade apple is simple, cozy, and a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or sipping it by the fire, this homemade apple cider recipe is sure to warm you from the inside out.

Cheers!

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