Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

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There is nothing that says « cozy » quite like a warm mug of homemade spiced apple cider. This recipe is incredibly simple and will fill your entire home with the most wonderful, comforting aromas of autumn. Fresh apples are slow-simmered with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, and a hint of citrus until they are completely tender. The resulting cider is then mashed and strained, creating a drink that is naturally sweet, deeply flavorful, and a world away from the store-bought versions. It’s the perfect beverage to sip on a chilly evening or to serve at a holiday gathering.

A warm mug of homemade spiced apple cider, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Aromatic: Your house will smell absolutely amazing as this simmers away.
  • Naturally Sweet & Flavorful: Made with fresh apples, so it’s packed with real fruit flavor and no artificial ingredients.
  • Easy to Make: A simple, hands-off recipe that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: A wonderful, welcoming drink to serve to guests during the fall and winter months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 8-10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith)
  • 1 orange
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 whole nutmeg
  • Water, to cover
  • Optional sweetener: 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar (or to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Fruit: Wash the apples and orange well. Cut them into quarters (no need to peel or core them).
  2. Combine Ingredients: Place the quartered apples and orange into a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and the whole nutmeg.
  3. Add Water and Simmer: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the fruit by at least 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 2 hours (or up to 4 hours). If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  4. Mash the Fruit: After simmering, the fruit will be very soft. Use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to gently mash the fruit directly in the pot to release all of its juices and flavor.
  5. Strain the Cider: Let the mixture simmer for another 30 minutes. Then, carefully pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or heatproof bowl. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
  6. Sweeten and Serve: Taste the cider. If you’d like it sweeter, stir in maple syrup or brown sugar until dissolved. Serve the cider warm in mugs.

Pro Tips for the Best Cider

  • Use a Variety of Apples: Using a mix of different apple varieties (some sweet, some tart) will create a more complex and balanced flavor.
  • Use Whole Spices: Whole spices, rather than ground ones, will infuse the cider with clear, pure flavor without making it cloudy or gritty.
  • Simmer, Don’t Boil: A long, gentle simmer is key to extracting all the flavor from the fruit and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long can I store homemade apple cider?
A: Let the cider cool completely and then store it in an airtight container or jars in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently on the stovetop.

Q: Can I add alcohol to this?
A: Yes! For an adult version, you can stir in some bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to individual warm mugs of cider before serving.

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