apple juice cider recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best apple juice cider recipe

I’m so excited to share this delicious apple juice cider recipe with you! As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and healthy recipes that my family will love. This one is a winner – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. My kids can’t get enough of the sweet and tangy flavors, and I appreciate the fact that it’s made with real apples and no added sugars.

I like to serve it warm or chilled, depending on the season, and it’s always a hit. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or looking for a new twist on a classic recipe, this apple juice cider is sure to become a family favorite. I’ve been making it for years, and it never fails to impress.

In fact, my family loves it so much that we often have requests for seconds (and even thirds!) The recipe itself is quite straightforward – simply combine chopped apples with some water and a bit of cinnamon in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the apples are tender.

Strain the mixture into a large bowl or individual cups, and serve hot or cold as desired. That’s it! This recipe is also great for meal prep – just make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Homemade Apple Juice Cider

4.5 from 1046 votes

This homemade apple juice cider is a warm and comforting beverage made from fresh apples and spices. It is simmered to perfection, creating a rich and aromatic drink that is perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cider

10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, such as Fuji and Granny Smith)
1 large orange
1 cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 cups water
2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash the apples and orange thoroughly.
2Cut the apples into quarters, removing the stems and any bruised spots, but keep the cores and peels as they add flavor and pectin.
3Slice the orange into thin rounds.
4Place the apple quarters and orange slices into a large stockpot.
5Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, allspice berries, and ground nutmeg.
6Pour in 8 cups of water, ensuring the fruit is mostly submerged.
7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
8Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes.
9The apples should become very soft and the liquid will darken and become fragrant.
10Remove the pot from the heat.
11Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the softened apples and oranges directly in the pot to release their juices.
12Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
13Set a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher.
14Ladle the apple mixture into the strainer, pressing firmly on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
15Discard the solids.
16Taste the strained cider and stir in maple syrup if a sweeter cider is desired.
17Serve the cider warm or chilled.
18For a warm serving, reheat gently over medium heat until steaming, about 5 minutes, but do not boil.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 8 quarts)
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon
Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Large bowl or pitcher
Ladle
Storage containers or jars

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a clearer cider, strain the liquid through a coffee filter or a finer cheesecloth. The cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Apple Juice Cider Works

This apple juice cider recipe is one I come back to every fall, and it never lets me down. It is simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and fills the house with the coziest aroma.

Whether you are serving it at a family gathering or just for a quiet night in, it always feels special. For storage, let the cider cool completely, then pour it into a glass jar or pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also serve it over ice for a refreshing cold drink.

Leftover cider is great for adding to oatmeal, smoothies, or even as a base for a fall cocktail. It is a versatile recipe that works for any occasion, and I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Juice Cider

Q: What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Gala, for this recipe. You can also experiment with other varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji – just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.

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