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two glasses with homemade apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and a few apple slices.
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5 from 3 votes

Apple Cider

This homemade Apple Cider is packed with fresh apples, a splash of orange, and warm spices — simple to make, full of cozy fall flavor, and perfect for chilly days.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider
Servings: 8
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 10 medium apples a mix of sweet and tart
  • 1 medium orange
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1 gallon water
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Garnish

  • cinnamon sticks
  • orange slices
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Quarter the apples and slice the orange, but do not peel the orange.
  • In a large pot, combine the apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice. Add the water to the pot, ensuring that all the fruits are submerged. (You can add more water if needed.)
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer covered for about 2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, use a potato masher to mash the fruits to release their flavors. Let it simmer for an additional 1 hour.
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the cider into a clean pot, removing all the solid pieces.
  • Return the strained liquid to heat, and add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Taste the cider and add more sugar if desired, depending on your sweetness preference.
  • Serve the apple cider warm, garnished with cinnamon sticks or orange slices. Alternatively, allow it to cool and then refrigerate. Consume within 5-7 days for the best flavor. Can be served cold or reheated as desired.

Notes

  1. Apple Varieties: Using a mix of apple varieties enhances the depth of flavor in your cider. Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Granny Smith are great choices.
  2. Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness level of the cider can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you'd like a more natural sweetener, honey or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar.
  3. Storing: Store any leftover cider in the fridge and consume within a week for optimal flavor. Before serving from the fridge, give it a good stir as some natural settling may occur.
  4. Boost the Flavor: For a spicier kick, consider adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of nutmeg.
  5. Alcohol Option: For those wanting an alcoholic version, mix in a splash of bourbon or rum before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg
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