apple cider easy recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best apple cider easy recipe

I’ve been making this apple cider easy recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together – just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. And the result?

A delicious, warm drink that’s perfect for fall and winter. My kids love it because it’s sweet and fizzy, while my husband appreciates the health benefits of drinking apple cider. As for me, I love how versatile this recipe is – we can enjoy it as a hot drink, or as a base for cocktails or desserts. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so customizable – we can add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or other spices to create different flavor profiles.

Plus, the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly – we can make a big batch of apple cider for under $10. The only thing I wish I’d known before making this recipe is that you should use fresh apple cider for the best flavor – bottled cider just doesn’t compare. But overall, I’m so glad I discovered this recipe – it’s become a staple in our household.

The history of apple cider is fascinating – did you know that apples have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years? In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans used apples to treat all sorts of ailments, from indigestion to fever. Today, we know that apples contain all sorts of beneficial compounds like quercetin and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. One key technique to making great apple cider is using the right type of apples – you want ones that are sweet and tart at the same time.

I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples for the perfect balance of flavors. Another important step is simmering the apples long enough to break down their cell walls and release all those lovely antioxidants. As you’re making this recipe, you might notice how quickly your kitchen fills with the aroma of apples cooking down – trust me when I say that your house will smell amazing!

Easy Homemade Apple Cider

4.9 from 667 votes

This simple apple cider recipe uses fresh apples and warm spices to create a comforting fall beverage. Simmered on the stovetop, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and yields a naturally sweet, flavorful drink.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cider

10 medium apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), quartered
1 large orange, quartered
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (optional, adjust to taste)
Water to cover

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash the apples and orange thoroughly.
2Quarter the apples and orange, removing any seeds or stems, but do not peel them.
3Place the fruit pieces into a large stockpot.
4Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and allspice berries to the pot.
5Pour in enough cold water to completely cover the fruit by about 2 inches.
6Stir in the brown sugar if using.
7Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
8Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2 hours.
9The apples should become very soft and the liquid will darken and become fragrant.
10After 2 hours, remove the pot from the heat.
11Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, mash the softened fruit directly in the pot to release more juice and flavor.
12Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
13Place a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher.
14Ladle the apple mixture into the strainer, pressing gently with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible.
15Discard the solids.
16Taste the cider and adjust sweetness by stirring in more brown sugar if desired.
17Serve the cider warm, or let it cool completely and refrigerate for up to one week.
18For a clearer cider, strain again through a coffee filter.

🔧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 bottles or jars

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 10mg🌾Total Carbs: 31g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a spicier cider, add an extra cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger during simmering. You can also substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Watch Video Of How Easy Homemade Apple Cider Works

This apple cider easy recipe has become one of our favorite fall traditions – we always look forward to cozying up with a warm cup on chilly evenings. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and reheat when needed. If you’re looking for a fun way to serve this drink at your next gathering, try setting up a hot cider bar with different toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider

What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Gala.

Can I use bottled apple cider instead of fresh?

No! Fresh apple cider has so much more flavor than bottled cider.

How do I customize this recipe?

Try adding cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or other spices to create different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! Just be sure to check your brand of maple syrup for any animal-derived ingredients.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! Simply store any leftover cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What are some fun ways to serve this drink?

You could try serving it in mason jars with a cinnamon stick garnish, or even as a base for cocktails or desserts.

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