Description
This homemade apple cider recipe features fresh apples simmered with warm spices, oranges, and a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness. It’s a comforting, flavorful drink perfect for chilly days, served warm or chilled with optional bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Spices
- 10 to 12 medium apples
- 2 large oranges
- 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (2- to 3-inches each)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
- Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 gallon (16 cups) water (filtered if possible)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
- Bourbon or rum (optional, 2 tablespoons per drink)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: In a very large stockpot, place the apples. Quarter the oranges, then remove the peels from one orange while leaving the peels on the second orange. Add the oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices to the pot with the apples.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water, making sure to leave at least 1 1/2 inches of space at the top of the pot for simmering. If the pot isn’t large enough, use slightly less water to maintain space. Bring the water to a rapid simmer over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours until the apples and oranges are very soft.
- Remove Orange Peels and Mash Fruit: Remove the orange sections with peels still on (discard these), leaving the peeled orange segments in the pot. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the fruit against the pot’s bottom to release more flavor. Continue simmering uncovered for 1 more hour to concentrate the flavors.
- Strain the Cider: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl. Press the solids firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids afterward.
- Sweeten and Finish: Return the strained cider to the pot, ensuring any remaining solids are removed. Stir in the maple syrup or brown sugar and vanilla extract. Heat gently if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sweetener, one tablespoon at a time, to preference.
- Serve: Enjoy the cider warm or chilled. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum per drink for an adult version.
Notes
- The best easy apple cider from scratch using fresh apples and warming spices.
- Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your apples and personal taste.
- Optional spices like nutmeg, star anise, allspice, and peppercorns add depth of flavor.
- This cider can be served warm or cold, perfect for any season.
- Adding bourbon or rum makes a great spiked holiday beverage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.001 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
