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Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

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4.2 from 51 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 quarts

Description

This homemade apple cider recipe brings the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, orange, and fresh-picked apples into a delicious, spiced beverage perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings. Made from scratch using simple ingredients and slow simmered to extract maximum flavor, this cider is naturally sweetened and easy to customize with additional spices like cloves, nutmeg, or star anise.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 hand-picked apples, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 oranges, quartered
  • 16 cups cold water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Optional Spice Add-ins

  • Whole cloves
  • Nutmeg
  • Fresh ginger
  • Star anise

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit and spices: Peel and quarter 12 apples and quarter 2 oranges. Gather 4 cinnamon sticks and, if desired, additional spices like whole cloves, nutmeg, fresh ginger, or star anise to enhance flavor.
  2. Combine ingredients in a pot: In a large pot, add the quartered apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, optional spices, and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Pour in 16 cups of cold water over the mixture.
  3. Bring to a boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar completely.
  4. Simmer the cider: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook low and slow for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld deeply.
  5. Prepare for straining: While the cider simmers, set up a fine-mesh strainer and a large container or pitcher for straining the hot liquid once it’s finished cooking.
  6. Strain the cider: After simmering, carefully pour the cider through the fine-mesh strainer to remove the fruit solids and spices. Press or squeeze the softened fruit to extract as much liquid as possible for a full-bodied cider.
  7. Adjust seasoning and cool: Taste the strained cider and adjust sweetness or spice by adding more sugar or ground cinnamon if desired. Allow the cider to cool to room temperature before transferring to storage containers.
  8. Store and serve: Store the cooled cider in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve warm or chilled as preferred, making a perfect comforting drink for fall and winter seasons.

Notes

  • Use a variety of apples (sweet and tart) for a more complex cider flavor.
  • Peeling the apples helps produce a clearer cider but can be skipped for a more rustic drink.
  • Adjust sugar levels to your taste; some apples are sweeter and may require less sugar.
  • Optional spices like cloves and star anise add depth and a festive aroma but are not essential.
  • This cider can also be gently reheated before serving if stored chilled.
  • Ensure to strain thoroughly to avoid gritty sediment in the finished cider.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/homemade-spiced-apple-cider-recipe/