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apple cider in a cup with a cinnamon stick.
Jana Rae

Homemade Apple Cider

Homemade apple cider with fresh apples, cinnamon, and spices. A cozy farmhouse recipe perfect for fall, made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 –12 medium apples mix of sweet & tart, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith
  • 1 orange sliced (optional)
  • 3 –4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 Tbsp allspice berries or 1 tsp ground allspice
  • ½ cup brown sugar adjust to taste
  • Water enough to cover

Method
 

  1. Prep Fruit – Wash and quarter apples (no need to peel or core). Slice orange if using.
  2. Simmer – Add fruit and spices to a large pot. Cover with water by 2 inches. Simmer covered for 3 hours.
  3. Mash – Once fruit is soft, mash with a potato masher to release juices.
  4. Strain – Pour through a sieve or cheesecloth into another pot, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
  5. Sweeten – Stir in brown sugar while cider is still warm. Adjust to taste.
  6. Serve – Enjoy hot with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker version: Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
  • Keeps in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Add ginger slices or star anise for extra spice.
  • For mulled cider, add a splash of bourbon or rum for adult gatherings.