Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Apples
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Core and quarter the apples. There's no need to peel them, as the skins will add flavor and nutrients to the cider.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large pot, combine the quartered apples, sliced orange, and water. The water helps to create steam and extract juice from the apples.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Simmer the Cider
- Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
- Stir occasionally to ensure that the apples are breaking down and releasing their juices. The mixture should become fragrant and the apples should soften.
Strain the Cider
- After 2 hours, remove the pot from heat. Using a strainer or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Discard the solids (or compost them) and return the liquid cider to the pot.
Final Adjustments
- Taste the cider and adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired. If you want a stronger spice flavor, you can simmer it for an additional 15-30 minutes with more spices.
- Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
For a more intense flavor, you can roast the apples in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes before adding them to the pot. This caramelizes the sugars and enhances the overall taste.
