I can’t believe I never tried my hand at homemade apple cider before. It’s so simple to make with just a few minutes of prep and lots of hands-free time on the stove. Simmering quartered apples– peels and all– makes this cider so flavorful. Plus, it made my house smell absolutely heavenly! I highly recommend starting up a pot before company arrives!
What’s in This Homemade Apple Cider Recipe?
Apples: I recommend choosing a variety of tart and sweet apples to create a complex flavor. I like Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, and Gala. Tangerines: Add balancing tartness to the cider so it’s not too sweet. Feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan, or you can use another type of orange. Cinnamon + Cloves: Add warmth and depth to the cider. I recommend using whole spices to avoid a grainy texture. Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and molasses flavor, but maple syrup also works well. Of course, feel free to adjust to your personal tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade apple cider is so delicious all by itself or with a little bit of rum or vodka mixed in. It’s also perfect for making my favorite apple cider mimosas or apple cider mojitos. I also like to use it in my cooking, particularly in this apple cider sauce and my favorite apple ginger glazed ham! If you end up with a lot of leftovers, I like to freeze some in ice cube trays and use them in my favorite apple cocktails, like these apple cider margaritas or sparkling apple pie on the rocks.
How to Make Apple Cider Step by Step
Fill the Pot: Add 10 large quartered apples, 2 peeled tangerines, 4 cinnamon sticks, and 2 teaspoons of whole cloves to a Dutch oven or stockpot. Cook the Apples: Cover with water by 2 inches (about 2-3 quarts) and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure it is still simmering. Mash the Apples: Use a potato masher to mash the fruit and release the juices. Simmer the Cider: Cover and simmer for 1 more hour. Prep a Strainer: Line a large colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Strain the Cider: Ladle or pour the cider mixture through the strainer. Press down on the solids with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Sweeten and Serve: Wipe out the pot and return the cider to the pot. Stir in ½ cup of brown sugar until dissolved. Keep warm on the stove until serving.
