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!!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more Warm Drinks, try:
- White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Cocoa
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Caramel Apple Cider
- Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa
- Mint Hot Chocolate
- Wassail
Apple Cider Recipe
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.
Love apple cider! Especially on a rainy day.
I had no idea how easy it was to make apple cider! We drink this all winter! It warms the soul!
This is so much better than store-bought. It is one of our favorite after trick or treating traditions!
Yes!! Nothing like fresh apple cider in the fall!
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!
Oh my goodness this was fabulous! My kids can’t wait to make this again for Halloween!
I loved how this made the whole house smell AMAZING and drinking it was like an added gift. YUMMY!
This is looking so tasty and yummy apple cider recipe. I will surely make this recipe at home. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy the cider.
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!