There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade spiced apple cider filling your kitchen—it’s like a warm hug in a mug! This timeless fall favorite combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the cozy kick of warming spices, making it the ultimate drink for crisp autumn afternoons or cheerful holiday celebrations. Whether you're curling up with a good book or hosting a festive gathering, this easy recipe will show you how to make apple cider from scratch. And the best part? It’s just as delightful served piping hot as it is refreshingly cold, so you can enjoy it your way. Let’s get brewing! 🍎✨
Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Recipe
This homemade apple cider recipe stands out because it lets you control the sweetness and spice levels while filling your home with an incredible fragrance. Perfect for both everyday sipping and special occasions, this versatile drink can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade cider has no artificial ingredients – just pure, natural apple goodness enhanced with your favorite spices.
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Ingredients
For the base cider:
- 10-12 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
- 2 oranges, quartered
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole nutmegs
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- ½ cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Water to cover
- 1 vanilla bean (optional)
Equipment
- Large stockpot or 6-quart slow cooker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Large bowl
- Ladle
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Wash all apples thoroughly under cool running water
- Quarter the apples, leaving the peels, cores, and seeds (they add extra flavor)
- Place the cut apples in your stockpot or slow cooker
Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add the quartered oranges to the pot
- Place all whole spices in a piece of cheesecloth and tie into a bundle
- Add the spice bundle to the pot
- Pour enough water to cover the fruits by about 2 inches
- Add brown sugar if using
Cooking Method
Stovetop Method:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours
- Occasionally mash the fruits with a potato masher to release more flavor
Slow Cooker Method:
- Set slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours
- Stir occasionally if possible
- Mash fruits gently halfway through cooking
Strain and Finish
- Remove the spice bundle
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl
- Press gently on the solids to extract all the juice
- For extra-clear cider, strain again through cheesecloth
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
- Stap 1 : Prepare the Apples
Wash and quarter apples, keeping peels and cores intact.
- Step 2 : Add Remaining Ingredients
Add oranges, spice bundle, water, and optional brown sugar.
- Step 3 : Cooking Method
Boil, then simmer for 2-3 hours, mashing occasionally.
- Step 4 : Strain and Finish
Remove spices, strain juice, and adjust sweetness if needed.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week
- Freeze: Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally
Variations & Substitutions
- Sugar-Free Version: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey Spice
- Variations: Add ginger slices, cardamom pods, or peppercorns
- Instant Pot Method: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with natural release
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a cinnamon stick garnish
- Add fresh apple slices and star anise for presentation
- Pour over ice for a refreshing cold drink
- Use as a base for fall punch or mocktails
Top Tip
- Use a variety of apples for complex flavor
- Don't skip the oranges – they add brightness and depth
- Avoid pressing too hard when mashing to prevent bitter flavors
- Adjust spices to taste during the last hour of cooking
FAQ
What is the difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider?
Regular apple cider is simply pressed apple juice, while spiced apple cider includes warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for added flavor and aroma.
How can I spice up my apple cider?
Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and allspice. Fresh ginger, cardamom pods, or vanilla bean can also enhance the flavor.
What kind of alcohol goes with apple cider?
Bourbon, spiced rum, and brandy pair excellently with apple cider. You can also try caramel vodka or cinnamon whiskey for different flavor profiles.
What goes well with spiced apple cider?
Pair it with fall desserts like apple pie or pumpkin bread, serve it with cheese plates, or enjoy it with warm cinnamon donuts. It's also great with savory snacks like roasted nuts or maple-glazed bacon.
Join the Cozy Fall Tradition
This homemade spiced apple cider recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn and brings it straight into your kitchen! Imagine the comforting aroma of apples, cinnamon, and spices filling your home—whether you're warming up after an adventurous day of apple picking or hosting a festive holiday gathering with friends and family, this versatile drink is bound to become a seasonal favorite that everyone will love. It's easy to make, deliciously spiced, and perfect for any fall occasion. Don’t forget to whip up a batch, cozy up with a warm mug, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experience!
And hey, if you're on the hunt for more comforting drink ideas, be sure to check out our Golden Milk Turmeric Latte Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of creamy milk and aromatic spices, guaranteed to bring a little extra warmth to your day. Let’s get sipping! 🍎✨
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Recipe:
Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Equipment
- Large stockpot or 6-quart slow cooker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Large bowl
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the base cider:
- 10-12 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
- 2 oranges, quartered
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole nutmegs
- 6-8 whole cloves
- 2-3 star anise pods
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- ½ cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Water to cover
- 1 vanilla bean (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash all apples thoroughly under cool running water
- Quarter the apples, leaving the peels, cores, and seeds (they add extra flavor)
- Place the cut apples in your stockpot or slow cooker
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add the quartered oranges to the pot
- Place all whole spices in a piece of cheesecloth and tie into a bundle
- Add the spice bundle to the pot
- Pour enough water to cover the fruits by about 2 inches
- Add brown sugar if using
Step 3: Cooking Method
Stovetop Method:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours
- Occasionally mash the fruits with a potato masher to release more flavor
Slow Cooker Method:
- Set slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours
- Stir occasionally if possible
- Mash fruits gently halfway through cooking
Step 4: Strain and Finish
- Remove the spice bundle
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl
- Press gently on the solids to extract all the juice
- For extra-clear cider, strain again through cheesecloth
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
Notes
- Use a variety of apples for complex flavor
- Don't skip the oranges – they add brightness and depth
- Avoid pressing too hard when mashing to prevent bitter flavors
- Adjust spices to taste during the last hour of cooking
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