Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe

Introduction

Apple cider is the essence of autumn in a mug. Warm, spiced, and deeply comforting, homemade apple cider uses fresh apples and aromatic spices to create a rich, flavorful drink without preservatives or excess sugar. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

• 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp)
• 1 large orange, quartered (optional)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 nutmeg or 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 cups (2 liters) water, or enough to cover the fruit
• ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: maple syrup, star anise, fresh ginger slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the apples thoroughly and quarter them. There is no need to peel or core the apples; include seeds and stems as they add flavor.
2. Step 2: Place the apples and orange quarters into a large stockpot. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and any optional spices such as ginger or star anise.
3. Step 3: Pour in enough water to cover the fruit, usually about 8 cups.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and pressing the fruit with a spoon to release juices.
5. Step 5: Use a potato masher to gently mash the softened fruit, then simmer for another 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or second pot, discarding solids.
7. Step 7: Return the cider to the pot and stir in brown sugar and maple syrup if using. Adjust sweetness to taste and simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Leave apple skins and cores on to add natural pectin and enhance flavor.
• For a smoother cider, strain thoroughly using cheesecloth.
• Avoid over-sweetening early because sweetness intensifies as the cider reduces.
• Try spiked apple cider by adding 1–2 ounces of dark rum, bourbon, or spiced whiskey per serving.
• Make chilled cider by refrigerating and serving over ice with a splash of club soda.
• Use a slow cooker to prepare cider by cooking on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Storage

Store cooled apple cider in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Avoid boiling to maintain flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of fresh apples?

No, not for this recipe. Apple cider is made by simmering whole apples to extract flavor and body, which apple juice lacks.

Is apple cider the same as apple juice?

No. Apple cider is typically unfiltered and less processed than apple juice, resulting in a richer, fuller flavor.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe

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4.4 from 140 reviews

This homemade apple cider recipe captures the true essence of autumn with fresh apples simmered alongside warm spices and a hint of sweetness. Unlike store-bought versions, this cider is made from whole apples, including skins and cores, offering a rich, comforting flavor that fills your kitchen with the aroma of fall. Perfect served warm on chilly evenings or customized with a splash of bourbon for festive occasions, this classic cider is easy to make and endlessly satisfying.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 cups (serves 6–8) 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp)
• 1 large orange, quartered (optional)

Spices

• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 whole nutmeg or 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: star anise, fresh ginger slices

Liquids & Sweeteners

• 8 cups (2 liters) water, or enough to cover the fruit
• ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: maple syrup

Instructions

1. Wash and Chop the Apples: Thoroughly wash all apples and then quarter them. There is no need to peel or core the apples as the skins, seeds, and stems will add flavor to the cider.
2. Add Ingredients to a Large Pot: Place all the quartered apples and orange pieces into a large stockpot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and any optional spices such as star anise or ginger slices.
3. Cover with Water: Pour in enough water to cover all the fruit, typically about 8 cups, ensuring everything is submerged.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Press the fruit with a spoon to help release juices.
5. Mash the Fruit: After simmering, use a potato masher to mash the softened fruit to extract extra flavor. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Strain the Cider: Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or second pot. Carefully pour the cider through it, separating and discarding the solids to get a smooth liquid.
7. Sweeten to Taste: Return the strained cider to the pot, stir in brown sugar and optional maple syrup, adjusting sweetness as desired. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Serve Hot: Pour the warm cider into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice for an inviting presentation.

Notes

• Leave skins and cores on the apples; they contain natural pectin and contribute to the cider’s depth of flavor.
• Use cheesecloth when straining for a smoother, pulp-free cider.
• Do not over-sweeten early on; the sweetness intensifies as the cider reduces during simmering.
• Cider can be made in a slow cooker: cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours for convenience.
• Store cooled cider in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave without boiling to preserve flavors.
• For an adult version, add 1–2 ounces of bourbon, dark rum, or spiced whiskey per serving.

Keywords: apple cider, homemade apple cider, fall drink, spiced cider, warm beverage, autumn recipes, cinnamon apple cider, holiday drink