Delicious Homemade Apple Cider Recipe – Perfect Fall Comfort Drink
Homemade apple cider is the quintessential fall drink, capturing the cozy and comforting vibes of the season in every warm sip. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, its rich blend of apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness makes it a must-have for crisp autumn days. This beloved beverage not only warms you up but also brings the fragrant aromas of cinnamon and cloves into your home, creating an inviting atmosphere. Sipping on homemade apple cider is a delightful experience that’s perfect for any fall gathering and definitely deserves a spot on your fall bucket list.
This homemade apple cider recipe is super easy, so have fun and enjoy!
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Ingredients for the homemade apple cider recipe:
- 10-12 medium apples (try a mix of sweet and tart like Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp)
- 1 orange
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or to taste)
- 8 cups water
Instructions:
- Prep the Apples and Orange:
- Start by washing and quartering the apples. Don’t worry about peeling or coring them—you want all those skins, cores, and seeds for flavor.
- Wash and quarter the orange, keeping the peel on.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Throw the apple and orange quarters into a big stockpot.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and brown sugar.
- Pour in the water until everything’s submerged.
- Cook the Cider:
- Bring it all to a boil over high heat.
- Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Give it a stir now and then, pressing down on the fruit with a spoon to get all the juice out.
- Mash the Fruit:
- After 2 hours, use a potato masher to mash the fruit really well. This helps get all those delicious flavors into the cider.
- Let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Strain the Cider:
- Carefully pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot. Press on the solids to get every last drop of liquid out.
- Discard the solids.
- Taste and Sweeten:
- Give your cider a taste and add more brown sugar if you like it sweeter. Do this a little at a time until it’s just right for you.
- Serve:
- Serve your apple cider hot, maybe with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple as a garnish.
- Or, let it cool and pop it in the fridge to enjoy cold later.
Storage:
- Keep any leftover homemade apple cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it if you want to save it for later.
Enjoy your homemade apple cider!
Get the ingredients you need for the Homemade Apple Cider Recipe:
McCormick Cinnamon Sticks
The Spice Way Allspice – Whole
The Spice Way Cloves – Whole
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Light Brown Sugar
Gabriel-Glas Stemless Crystal Wine Glasses, Set of 6
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