Homemade apple cider is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Made with fresh apples and warm spices, this cider is perfect for sipping on a chilly day or serving at a gathering with friends and family. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make apple cider from scratch, so you can enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of this classic drink.
Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider
- 12 apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties), quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon whole star anise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 cups water
How to Make Homemade Apple Cider
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Prep the Apples and Orange:
- Rinse the apples and orange under cold water. Quarter them, removing the seeds but leaving the peels intact.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large stockpot, combine the quartered apples and orange with the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, whole star anise, and brown sugar.
- Add Water:
- Pour the water over the fruit and spices, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cooking the Cider:
- Simmer the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Mash the Fruit:
- After 2 hours, use a potato masher to mash the softened fruit in the pot.
- Strain the Cider:
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher. Ladle the cider into the strainer, pressing down on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Serve the Cider:
- Discard the solids. Serve the apple cider warm, or let it cool and refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat before serving if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples:
The choice of apples can greatly impact the flavor of your cider. A mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, provides a balanced flavor profile.
Orange:
The orange adds a subtle citrus note to the cider, complementing the sweetness of the apples and enhancing the overall flavor.
Spices:
Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, and whole star anise infuse the cider with warm, aromatic flavors that are quintessentially autumnal.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the cider, enhancing its richness and complexity.
Water:
Water is used to simmer the fruit and spices, extracting their flavors and creating a flavorful base for the cider.
Homemade apple cider is a delicious and comforting drink that is perfect for enjoying during the fall and winter months. With its rich flavors and warm spices, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.
