Apple Cider

You’ll be surprised how simple it is to make homemade Apple cider from scratch. It is spiced to perfection and the coziest fall drink.

Apple season is upon us and I can’t help but make all of the apple things like Mini Applesauce Muffins, Caramel Apple Dip, and BEST Apple Pie. I especially look forward to snuggling up with a warm mug of home-made apple cider. Yum!!!

glass mug of apple cider

The Best homemade apple cider

Homemade apple cider is perfect after a day of leaf jumping, trick-or-treating, or just cuddling on the couch.

It’s one of my favorite holiday drinks, and I love to drink it chilled or nice and toasty warm.

In most cases, apple cider is raw pressed apple juice that has not been filtered to remove pulp or sediment. Since cider is made from fresh-pressed fruit, it contains many of the same nutrients that whole apples do. Also, because cider is not filtered, it retains even more nutrients than apple juice.

This homemade cider is unbelievably easy to make on your own! I love that you can adjust the spices to your personal preference and mood.

And boy, does it send fabulous fragrances through your home—bonus!!

white bowl filled with ingredients for apple cider recipe

How to Make Apple Cider

CUT. Quarter each apple and remove the core. Place the slices in a large stockpot. Add enough water so that the apples are covered by at least 2 inches.

SEASON & BOIL. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat then cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat, and simmer for 2 hours.

STRAIN. Carefully strain the apple mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids from the sieve. Line the sieve with cheesecloth and drain the cider again. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until cold.

sliced apples on a cutting board

Crock pot Directions

Instead of simmering the ingredients on the stove top, you can choose to do so in a crock pot. It will take longer, but that also means that your home will be filled with the delicious aroma of fall all day long.

To make, simply cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. 

how to make apple cider in a pot on the stove

Recipe Tips

Turn it into caramel apple cider. Don’t mind if I do. Add 2 tbsp of caramel sauce into the cider before serving.

Don’t discard the apples: Remove the cooked soft apples and blend them to make applesauce. Add cinnamon or other spices to taste. 

Garnish: I love how beautiful the cider looks when garnished with freshly sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. You can add them to the serving pitcher or to the individual glasses.

cooked apples and cinnamon sticks in a colander

Storing Info

STORE cider in the refrigerator for about a week.

For longer storage, FREEZING is recommended. When freezing, be sure to allow at least a 2 inch head space since the cider will expand during freezing and can rupture the container.

glass cup of hot apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick

For more Warm Drinks, try:

Apple Cider Recipe

5 from 26 votes
You'll be surprised how simple it is to make homemade Apple cider from scratch. It is spiced to perfection and the coziest fall drink.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, English
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 134 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • 10 large apples we use 5 Gala and 5 Honeycrisp
  • 16 cups water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 6 cinnamon sticks

Instructions
 

  • Quarter each apple and remove the core. Place apple slices in a large stockpot and add water.
  • Stir in sugar, cinnamon, allspice and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot with a lid and continue simmering for 2 hours.
  • Stir well, then carefully strain the apple mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard solids from the sieve. Line the sieve with cheesecloth and strain the cider again.
  • Serve warm, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours until cold.

Video

Notes

Slow Cooker Directions: To make, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally. Continue with Steps 3 and 4.
Variation: For caramel apple cider, stir in 2 tablespoons caramel sauce before serving.
Waste Not: Instead of discarding the apples after straining the cider, transfer the cooked, soft apples to a food processor and blend to make applesauce. Add cinnamon or other spices to taste.

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    This apple cider was amazing, I love all of the flavors you get from simmering it for a while!! I will be using this recipe all of this fall and winter, it is the best comforting drink!

  2. 5 stars
    This is looking so tasty and yummy apple cider recipe. I will surely make this recipe at home. Thank you for sharing this.

  3. 5 stars
    hey, earlier in the post the recipe says to boil uncovered for one hour and then simmer for two hours but later it says to just simmer for two hours. i’m wondering which is the correct instructions. thank you!