homemade apple juice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade apple juice recipe

I have been making this homemade apple juice recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love it because it’s a fun and healthy drink that they can enjoy any time of the year. As a mom, I love that it’s made with just a few simple ingredients and is easy to make in bulk.

Plus, the process of juicing apples is so therapeutic and calming – it’s like a mini-vacation from the chaos of everyday life. My family and I have even started a tradition where we make a big batch of apple juice every fall, and we enjoy it together on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The best part?

This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve it hot or cold, sweetened or unsweetened, and even add a splash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. The health benefits of this recipe are numerous too – apples are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that will keep you feeling full and energized all day long. And let’s not forget about the joy of watching your kids learn how to juice their own apples – it’s a skill that will stay with them for life!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, adjusting the ratio of apple varieties to get just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. I’ve also experimented with different spices and sweeteners to create unique flavor profiles that everyone in my family loves. But at its core, this recipe remains true to its roots – it’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of autumn in every cup.

So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try this fall, I highly recommend giving this homemade apple juice recipe a shot – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Homemade Apple Juice

4.7 from 1853 votes

This homemade apple juice is a fresh, naturally sweet beverage made from simple ingredients. It captures the pure flavor of ripe apples with a hint of lemon and cinnamon.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Juice

6 medium apples (about 2 kg), cored and chopped
4 cups water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a large pot.
2Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the apples are very soft and easily mashed with a fork.
3Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
4Mash the apples with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release more juice.
5Set a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl.
6Pour the apple mixture into the strainer and let it drain for 10 to 15 minutes, pressing gently with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
7Taste the juice and stir in sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter drink.
8Let the juice cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to glass bottles or jars.
9Refrigerate the juice for at least 2 hours before serving.
10It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Large bowl
Ladle
Glass 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: 0g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji and Granny Smith, for a balanced flavor. For a clearer juice, strain twice through a finer cloth. The cinnamon is optional, but it adds a warm note. If you prefer a thicker juice, blend the cooked apples before straining.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Apple Juice Works

This homemade apple juice recipe has become an annual tradition in our household – every fall, we make big batches of it together as a family. We store some in mason jars in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use.

When reheating leftovers, we like to add a splash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. This recipe works perfectly well for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas but also makes sense as an everyday drink throughout the year.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Juice

Q: What types of apples are best for making apple juice?

This is a common question among home cooks who want to make the perfect apple juice! The answer is that you can use any variety of apple you like – but some work better than others. For instance, Granny Smith apples are great because they’re tart and hold their shape well during juicing. On the other hand, Gala apples are sweeter but can be more difficult to juice due to their softer texture.

Q: Can I use frozen or canned apples instead of fresh?

While you can use frozen or canned apples in a pinch, there’s no substitute for fresh apples when it comes to making homemade apple juice. Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture – they’re easier to juice and contain more nutrients than frozen or canned options.

Q: How do I store leftover apple juice?

Leftover apple juice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to six months. When storing it in the fridge, make sure to keep it away from light exposure as much as possible.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a juicer?

You don’t need a juicer to make homemade apple juice! While they’re helpful for extracting juice quickly and efficiently, you can also use a blender or food processor to puree your apples into liquid form.

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