Best Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
This Best Homemade Apple Cider recipe brings together a fragrant blend of apples, oranges, and warming spices simmered gently to create a cozy and flavorful beverage perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this cider is delicious served warm with a cinnamon stick and orange slice garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 8–10 medium apples, assorted types, quartered
- 2 oranges, quartered
Spices & Flavorings
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 2 vanilla beans
- 2 star anise
- 2 inches fresh ginger
Liquids & Sweetener
- 16 cups water (more or less)
- 2/3 cup maple syrup (more as needed)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the quartered apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, vanilla beans, star anise, fresh ginger, and water into a large stockpot.
- Heat to Simmer: Cover the pot leaving about two inches of space at the top. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the apples and oranges become very soft.
- Mash the Fruits: Using a potato masher, mash the softened fruits thoroughly to release their flavors. Cover the pot again and allow it to simmer for an additional hour to deepen the infusion.
- Strain the Cider: Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the solid fruit and spices to yield a smooth cider.
- Adjust Sweetness: While the cider is still hot, taste and stir in additional maple syrup if more sweetness is desired.
- Serve Warm: Pour the warm cider into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh orange slices for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use a variety of apple types for a more complex flavor.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preferred sweetness level.
- The cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated before serving.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the ginger or cloves slightly.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan.
Keywords: apple cider, homemade apple cider, warm apple cider, fall drinks, maple syrup cider, spiced cider, autumn beverage
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/best-homemade-apple-cider-recipe/
