Apple Cider

5 from 2 votes

Homemade Apple Cider is easy to make and offers a deliciously sweet, crisp taste that pairs perfectly with cool air and cold weather. This recipe creates a hot and healthy holiday drink and is the most wonderful way to stay warm!

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cup servings

Calories: 179kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

12 medium-size apples (2 - 3 different varieties), cored and quartered
2 whole oranges quartered
5-6 cinnamon sticks
4 whole star anise
1 tbsp whole cloves
1 tbsp whole allspice
1 gallon water
½ cup light brown sugar packed
½ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Using an extra-large stockpot (I used a 12-quart stockpot), over high heat, add in the cored and quartered apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, sugars, and water. Stir to mix.
Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the temperature to medium-low, and let it simmer for 1½ hours. Stir the mixture occasionally.
After the apples and orange mixture has been cooking for 1½ hours, using a potato masher, carefully mash the apples and oranges to help release more of their juices. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
Remove the stockpot from the heat. Carefully ladle the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove large pieces of apple skin, orange rind, and whole spices.
Once the cider has been filtered, you can return the cider to the stovetop to keep warm before you are ready to serve.

Notes

Storage:

To Store: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
To Reheat: You can reheat the cider on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips:

Always remember to thoroughly wash and rinse the apples and oranges before coring and quartering.
You can substitute ground spices for the whole spices, but it will produce a very dark-colored cider. The whole spice really adds the perfect balance of flavor.

Nutrition