This delicious homemade apple cider recipe is super-easy to make plus it’s fresher and healthier than anything you’ll find in store. All you need is apples, spices, water, and your choice of sweetener.
Feel free to use any of your favorite apple varieties. For the best flavor, mix it up! I recommend using a variety of sweet (i.e Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Pink Lady, Golden delicious) and tart (i.e Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonathan) apples.
Adding sweetener is completely optional depending on your taste. I like to add a touch of brown sugar, however you can also use maple syrup or honey as substitutes.
For an adults-only version: add a splash of rum or bourbon to your apple cider.
Ingredients
10 apples, quartered
1/2 orange, halved
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions
- Combine apples, oranges, spices, and sugar in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cover with water, leaving about two inches of space at the top.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the apples are completely soft.
- Remove oranges, then mash apples using a potato masher or wooden spoon. Let simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
- Strain through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.
- Serve your apple cider warm with apple slices and cinnamon stick.