How to Make Homemade Apple Cider

In a recent poll I did on Instagram, I asked whether people preferred hot chocolate or apple cider. It was dead even. So in an effort to give the people what they want, I’m going to show you my recipes for both!

First up is this homemade apple cider. Now, don’t get scared when you see the ingredient list. It’s got a couple things you probably don’t normally buy on a consistent basis. BUT those ingredients are going to give your apple cider some serious flavor and that’s something we definitely DO want. Plus, it’s an “everything in the pot” kind of recipe, so you really can’t screw it up. I promise!

Let’s get this house smellin’ good…

Hot Apple Cider

10 –12 medium apples (assorted types, quartered)
2 oranges (quartered)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 whole nutmeg
1 inch fresh ginger
16 cups water (more or less)
1 cup brown sugar or maple syrup

Combine your ingredients in a stockpot. Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves and seasonings to a large stockpot. Cover with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the stockpot.
Simmer. Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft.
Mash the apples and oranges. Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the stockpot to release more of their flavors. Then cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
Strain. Using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Discard the solids.
Sweeten. Stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
Serve warm. Then, your cider is all ready to go! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the stockpot for pretty serving. But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy. Or feel free to let the cider cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed pitcher and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

*Oranges: Peeling the oranges first will reduce the tartness of the cider, if you would like.

beverage, Drinks

American

apple, apples, cider, hot apple cider