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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
Course Beverage, Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 120 kcal

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.

Instructions
 

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.

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Keyword apple cider, homemade, spiced cider
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