Best Homemade Apple Cider Recipe from Scratch Recipe
Introduction
This homemade apple cider recipe from scratch is a cozy and flavorful drink perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh apples, orange, and warming spices, it’s easy to prepare on the stove or in a slow cooker. Enjoy it warm or chilled, with a touch of sweetness and optional whiskey for an extra kick.
Ingredients
- 10 medium-sized apples, halved
- 1 navel orange, quartered
- 16 cups water
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or keto syrup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the apples in half and quarter the orange.
- Step 2: For stovetop cider, combine apples, orange, water, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon sticks in a large stockpot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 hours, or until apples are soft, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Step 3: Stir in your choice of sweetener. Using a potato masher, press the apples and orange to release their juices and mix the flavors.
- Step 4: Allow the mixture to cool until safe to handle. Remove the cinnamon sticks, then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut bag to separate the liquid from the solids. Discard solids and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Step 5: For slow cooker cider, place prepared apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin pie spice, and water in a crock pot. Cook on high for 2 hours until apples are soft.
- Step 6: Mash the cooked fruit with a potato masher to release juices. Let cool about 30 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and strain through cheesecloth or nut bag. Discard solids and sweeten to taste.
- Step 7: Serve the apple cider warm or refrigerate until cold. Optionally, add whiskey before serving for a spirited touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more complex flavor.
- Add a few cloves or star anise for extra spiced notes.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener depending on your preference or the sweetness of your apples.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply enjoy as is or add a splash of sparkling water for fizz.
Storage
Store leftover apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. If adding whiskey, do so just before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, using a mix of sweet and tart apples will give the cider a more balanced and interesting flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers?
Absolutely. The recipe has instructions for both stovetop and slow cooker methods, making it versatile and easy regardless of the equipment you have.
PrintBest Homemade Apple Cider Recipe from Scratch Recipe
This Best Homemade Apple Cider recipe from scratch features a comforting, flavorful blend of fresh apples, navel orange, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice slowly simmered on the stovetop or cooked in a slow cooker. Sweetened naturally with honey, maple syrup, or keto syrup, this warm apple cider is perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly days. The recipe offers methods for both stovetop and slow cooker preparation, ensuring a rich, delicious cider that can be served warm or chilled, with an optional whiskey addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fruits
- 10 medium-sized apples, halved
- 1 navel orange, quartered
Liquids
- 16 cups water
- 1/2 cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or keto syrup)
Spices
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Thoroughly wash the apples and orange. Cut the apples in half and quarter the orange to maximize flavor extraction during cooking.
- Stovetop Apple Cider: In a large stock pot, combine the apples, orange quarters, water, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon sticks. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low-medium simmer and let it cook for 2 hours or until the apples are very soft. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes.
- Add sweetener and mash: Pour in your chosen sweetener—honey, maple syrup, or keto syrup—into the pot. Using a potato masher, mash the softened apples and orange pieces to release their juices and enhance the cider’s flavor.
- Strain the cider: Allow the mixture to cool until it’s comfortable to handle. Remove the cinnamon sticks. Using a cheesecloth or nut bag, squeeze the mashed fruit to separate the liquid cider from the solids. Adjust sweetness by adding more sweetener if desired. Discard the strained solids.
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider (alternative method): Place the halved apples, quartered orange, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin pie spice, and water into a crock pot. Cook on high for 2 hours until the apples are very soft.
- Mash and strain in slow cooker method: Using a potato masher, mash the fruit to extract juices. Let mixture cool for at least 30 minutes, then remove the cinnamon sticks. Strain the cider using a cheesecloth or nut bag over a large bowl, squeezing to extract the juice. Discard solids. Sweeten as desired.
- Serve: Serve your homemade apple cider warm or refrigerate to enjoy cold later. Optionally, add whiskey for an adult twist. Store leftover cider in the refrigerator and consume within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- The simmering time can be extended beyond 2 hours to enrich the cider’s flavor.
- Choose your preferred sweetener based on dietary needs or taste preference.
- Using a cheesecloth or nut bag is essential to get a clear, pulp-free cider.
- Add a splash of whiskey when serving warm for an adult variation.
- Store the cider in an airtight container and keep refrigerated to preserve freshness for up to a week.
Keywords: apple cider, homemade apple cider, fall beverage, warm cider, slow cooker cider, stovetop cider, cinnamon apple drink
