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Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

This homemade spiced apple cider blends fresh apples with warming fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Made easily in your slow cooker or on the stovetop, it's perfect served hot or cold for any occasion.
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American/European
Keyword: spiced apple cider
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Cost: $15-20

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

    Nutrition

    Serving: 240ml | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g