Apple Cider Recipe

Homemade apple cider poured into 2 cups with apples and cinnamon sticks around.

Print Recipe

5 from 75 votes

Apple Cider Recipe

You'll be surprised how simple it is to make this homemade apple cider recipe from scratch. It is spiced to perfection!

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, English

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Equipment

fine mesh seive
cheesecloth

Ingredients

10 large apples we use 5 Gala or 5 Honeycrisp with 5 Granny Smith apples
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. Add enough water to cover the apples. Depending on the size of your pot and apples, you may not need every cup.
Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and any optional spices. If using the orange, add it now. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and continue simmering gently for 2 hours.
Once the apples are very soft, lightly mash them with a potato masher or sturdy spoon to release more juice and flavor.
Carefully strain the apple mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Set the solids aside if you plan to use them for applesauce or apple butter. Line the sieve with cheesecloth and strain the cider again.
Taste and adjust. After straining, taste the cider. Add more sugar if needed, or a splash of hot water if the flavor is too concentrated.
Serve warm, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours until cold.

Video

Notes

Recipe Notes:

Do not peel the apples. Skins add flavor and color; just core and quarter as written.
Cinnamon + Cinnamon Sticks. We use both. Ground spices give the cider stronger flavor, while cinnamon sticks add a gentler infused spice and make the cider more aromatic.
Mash apples lightly after simmering for deeper flavor, then strain well.
Strain twice. For a smoother, clearer cider, strain through a fine-mesh sieve first, then again through cheesecloth.
Garnish. Garnish with freshly sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. Add them to the serving pitcher or to the individual glasses.

Crockpot. Add the apples, water, sugar, and spices to a slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours, then mash, strain, and adjust the sweetness as directed.

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.

Variations. For caramel apple cider, stir in 2 tablespoons of 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.

Nutrition