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Homemade Apple Cider

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This Homemade Apple Cider is the perfect cozy drink for fall and winter, made from fresh apples, warming spices, and a hint of sweetness. It’s easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker and fills your home with an incredible aroma. Enjoy it warm or chilled, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a splash of caramel for a special treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 medium apples (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith), quartered
  • 1 orange, quartered (optional for extra citrus flavor)
  • 34 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 tbsp whole allspice (optional)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 10 cups water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    Wash and quarter the apples and orange, leaving the peels, cores, and seeds intact as they add extra flavor.
  2. Add to Pot
    Place the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice in a large pot. Pour in the water, ensuring the fruit and spices are fully submerged.
  3. Simmer
    Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the apples are very soft and the cider is fragrant.
  4. Mash the Fruit
    Use a potato masher to carefully mash the softened apples and oranges, releasing their juices into the cider. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Strain the Cider
    Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully pour the cider through the strainer, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
  6. Sweeten
    Stir in the brown sugar to taste, adjusting the sweetness as needed.
  7. Serve
    Serve the cider warm in mugs, or let it cool and refrigerate to serve chilled. Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick or slice of orange if desired.

Notes

  • Use a slow cooker for a hands-off version: Set it on low for 6-8 hours, then mash and strain.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference, or add a bit of ginger or star anise for extra warmth.
  • Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.