Apple Cider Recipe

A glass mug of apple cider with a cinnamon stick inside.

This easy apple cider will fill your house with a cozy aroma and is the perfect drink for a chilly day.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, english

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 3

Servings servings

Calories 125kcal

Author John Kanell

Equipment

Stock pot
Potato masher

Ingredients

1 orange (140g)
10 apples (about 4 pounds, 1.3kg)
4 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
½ cup brown sugar (110g)
10 cups water (2.36L), or enough to cover the apple mixture by 1-inch

Instructions

Wash the orange and apples. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to cut four strips of orange zest (just the orange skin.) Peel the remaining white pith from the orange then cut the orange flesh into pieces. Core the apples and cut them into quarters.
Add the apples and orange along with the strips of orange zest into a large pot (at least 8 quarts.) Sprinkle the brown sugar over top and add the cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Cover with the water.
Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot partially with a lid. Cook at a low boil for about 1 hour or until the apples are very soft.
Use a potato masher or large spoon to mash the apples and orange. Cook over medium-low heat for one more hour, partially covered.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing against the solids to extract as much cider as possible.
Enjoy warm or chilled. Cool down and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Notes

There is no need to peel your apples. Leaving the apple peels on will save a lot of time!
Use additional spices: This recipe can be dressed up with slices of fresh ginger or other spices you enjoy, like star anise, whole cardamom, and even a bit of black pepper.
Use other sweeteners: You can replace the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or regular granulated sugar. After cooking and straining your homemade cider, have a taste and add more sweetener if needed.
If you don’t have a fine mesh sieve, place a single piece of cheesecloth over a colander to strain.
Serving idea: Garnish cups of cider with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Make it boozy: Spike individual servings of warm apple cider with rum, brandy, or bourbon.
Bake with it: Use it to make my perfect apple cider donuts!

Nutrition

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