Go Back
–+ servings
A glass mug of homemade apple cider brimming with orange slices, cranberries, apple pieces, and cinnamon sticks sits elegantly amid cut oranges and extra cinnamon sticks on a pristine white surface.
Print Recipe

Easy Homemade Apple Cider

Easy to make at home, this homemade apple cider is better than any store-bought and perfect for sipping on all fall. It's made with loads of apples, oranges, and wintery spices! It's basically a hug in a cup.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: apple cider, easy apple cider, homemade apple cider
Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Occasion: Christmas, Thanksgiving
Time: 60 minutes or more
Servings: 16 cups
Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

  • 10 apples assorted colors
  • 2 orange
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • ¼ tsp each ground cloves, allspice, ground nutmeg
  • 1 gallon water 3.75 L
  • Optional: 1 thumb fresh ginger
  • ½ cup brown sugar 100 g
  • Garnish with: cranberries, oranges, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  • Prep: Quarter and remove the core from each apple. Quarter the oranges, removing the peel for a sweeter cider. Add all fruit, cinnamon, and spices to a large pot. Cover with water.
    A pot filled with water containing sliced apples, oranges, and two cinnamon sticks simmers, creating the perfect homemade apple cider.
  • Cook: Bring to a simmer and cover (you may need to leave the lid ajar if it keeps boiling over). Simmer for 2 hours, or until apples are very soft.
  • Mash: Mash the fruit to release flavors, then continue simmering for 15 minutes.
    A pot brimming with chopped apples and liquid sits invitingly, with a metal potato masher poised on top, ready to create homemade apple cider, all set against a clean white background.
  • Strain: Carefully pour the through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher or pot. Stir in brown sugar, adding more as needed to suit your taste.
  • Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fruit, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
    Homemade apple cider fills clear mugs, garnished with orange slices, cranberries, apple chunks, and cinnamon sticks. Resting on a white surface sprinkled with scattered orange slices and cinnamon sticks, it invites you to savor autumns flavors.

Notes

To make this apple cider in a slow cooker, cook mixture on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. Mash, then continue simmering for 15 minutes before straining.
Storage: This will keep for up to 1 week in the fridge (without the fruit). Or, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months. It makes great ice cubes for a fall sangria!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.6g | Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21.1g | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
QR Code linking back to recipe