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Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 139 reviews

Homemade Apple Cider is a crisp, nonalcoholic drink made from fresh apples, lightly sweetened with brown sugar and warmly spiced with cinnamon and allspice. This comforting beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold, perfect for cozying up during the cooler months or refreshing on a crisp day.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 10 medium apples, quartered
  • ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 4 sticks cinnamon, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Place the quartered apples into a large 8-quart stockpot and add enough water to cover the apples by about 2 inches. Use your hands or a spoon to gently push the apples down, as they will naturally float.
  2. Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in the light brown sugar, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and ground allspice to the pot.
  3. Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and let it boil uncovered for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to soften.
  4. Simmer: After boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 hours to extract maximum flavor from the apples and spices.
  5. Strain the Cider: Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing gently on the apple solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
  6. Double Strain: For a clearer cider, strain the liquid once more through a fresh cheesecloth or sieve to remove any remaining solids.
  7. Serve: Serve the apple cider hot in glass mugs or chill it for a refreshing cold drink.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground cinnamon for cinnamon sticks if preferred; reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons.
  • For a spicier cider, add a few cloves or a piece of fresh ginger during boiling.
  • Store any leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving warm.
  • This recipe yields approximately 4 cups of cider, perfect for sharing.

Keywords: Homemade Apple Cider, Nonalcoholic Apple Cider, Apple Drink, Fall Beverage, Warm Drinks