Description
This homemade apple cider recipe is a warm, cozy beverage perfect for fall and winter gatherings. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, allspice, and light brown sugar, it’s naturally sweetened and bursting with spiced apple flavor. It’s easy to make on the stovetop and can be served hot or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples, quartered
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 4 sticks cinnamon, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 8 cups water (optional – to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and quarter the apples, removing any stems and blemishes. There is no need to peel or core the apples as the cooking process will soften them.
- Combine ingredients: In a large stockpot, add the quartered apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), and ground allspice. Pour in 8 cups of water to cover the ingredients partially.
- Simmer the cider: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the spices infuse properly.
- Mash the apples: After simmering, use a potato masher or large spoon to mash the softened apples against the side of the pot to release more flavor and juice.
- Strain the cider: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot or large bowl to separate the liquid from the apple solids and spices. Press gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Serve: Reheat the cider gently if desired and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slices for presentation. The cider can also be chilled and served cold.
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate any remaining cider in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm gently before serving again.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
- Using whole cinnamon sticks gives a milder, aromatic flavor; ground cinnamon will be stronger and should be adjusted carefully.
- For a smoother cider, strain twice or use a finer cheesecloth.
- This cider can be spiked with rum or bourbon for an adult version.
- To keep cider longer, freeze in airtight containers.
Keywords: apple cider, homemade cider, fall drink, spiced cider, warm beverage, autumn recipe