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+ servings

Homemade Apple Cider

A warm, spiced apple cider made from fresh apples, perfect for cozy gatherings or a chilly day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 10 medium apples A mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.
  • 1 medium orange Sliced, optional for added citrus flavor.
  • 1 cup water To help extract juice from the apples.
Spices
  • 2 sticks cinnamon For warming spice flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves Adds depth and warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon allspice berries For a hint of nutmeg-like flavor.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness.

Method
 

Prepare the Apples
  1. Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
  2. 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
  1. In a large pot, combine the quartered apples, sliced orange, and water. The water helps to create steam and extract juice from the apples.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Simmer the Cider
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Discard the solids (or compost them) and return the liquid cider to the pot.
Final Adjustments
  1. 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.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg

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.

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