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Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

4.6 from 112 reviews

This homemade apple cider recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of fall right to your kitchen. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and allspice, it is perfect for cozy gatherings or a relaxing evening. The natural sweetness and aromatic spices blend beautifully to create a fragrant, flavorful cider that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 10 medium apples, quartered
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 sticks cinnamon, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash and quarter the apples, removing any stems or bad spots. There’s no need to peel or core the apples as the cooking process will soften them enough.
  2. Combine ingredients in a pot: Place the quartered apples in a large stockpot or saucepan. Add the light brown sugar, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and ground allspice evenly over the apples.
  3. Add water: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the apples, about 12 cups, ensuring all ingredients are submerged for proper simmering.
  4. Simmer the cider: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Mash the apple mixture: Using a potato masher or large spoon, press down on the softened apples to release more flavor and juice into the liquid.
  6. Strain the cider: Carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  7. Serve warm or chilled: The apple cider can be served warm as a soothing beverage, or chilled and served over ice for a refreshing drink. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • For stronger spice flavor, add whole cloves or nutmeg during simmering.
  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced cider flavor.
  • If you prefer a clearer cider, strain twice through cheesecloth.
  • Sweetness can be adjusted by adding more or less brown sugar to taste.
  • To make a spiked version, add a splash of bourbon or rum before serving.

Keywords: homemade apple cider, apple drink, fall beverage, cinnamon apple cider, spiced apple cider