If you love cozy drinks that warm you up from the inside out, then you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe. I’ve been making this for years now, and trust me, nothing beats a fresh batch of homemade cider bubbling away on a chilly afternoon. It’s bursting with real apple flavor, just the right hint of spice, and it’s so simple to make that even if you’re new to kitchen adventures, you’ll succeed with flying colors. So grab your slow cooker and let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything in your local market, no fancy extras needed.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy days or weekend relaxing.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste—make it spicy, sweet, or perfectly balanced.
- Perfectly Cozy Flavor: This Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe smells and tastes like fall in a cup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how well these ingredients come together to create a comforting, authentic apple cider. Choose a mix of apples for depth—some sweet, some tart—and fresh spices to give it warmth.
- Apples: I love using Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for a tangy kick; it balances perfectly.
- Orange: Adds a subtle citrus brightness that really complements the apples’ earthiness.
- Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon: I prefer sticks for a mellow spice infusion, but either works beautifully.
- Ground cloves: Just a teaspoon adds a warm, slightly spicy depth without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar: Adjust based on how sweet or spicy you want your cider to be.
- Water: Helps the ingredients meld and create that lovely cider base.
Variations
I love tweaking this Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe depending on the season and my mood—feel free to make it your own!
- Spiced Up: I sometimes add star anise or a splash of vanilla extract for a unique twist that my guests always ask about.
- Sweeter or Less Sugar: If you prefer your cider like the sweeter bottled versions, bump the sugar up; if you want it more natural, cut back.
- Alcohol-Friendly: Adding a shot of bourbon or rum after cooking transforms it into an adult-friendly treat on chilly nights.
- Slow Cooker Substitute: No slow cooker? No worries! You can simmer everything in a pot on the stove with just a bit more attention.
How to Make Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit and Spices
Peel your orange and separate it into segments, placing them in your slow cooker. Then rinse your apples, quarter them, and toss them in—don’t worry about the cores; they’ll be strained out later. Add cinnamon sticks (or ground), ground cloves, and your granulated sugar on top. Finally, cover it all with water—just enough to submerge the fruit. This setup guarantees each bite of cider is infused with cozy autumn flavors.
Step 2: Slow Cook Your Ingredients
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 6–7 hours or high for 4. I always go for low heat because the flavors deepen beautifully with a slow simmer. You’ll notice the fruit gets really soft and fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling like fall has arrived!
Step 3: Mash and Continue Cooking
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to fish out the cinnamon sticks—no choking on spice here! Then grab a potato masher or a sturdy spoon and mash the softened fruit into the liquid. This releases juices and thickens the cider naturally. Pop the cinnamon sticks back in, cover, and cook for another hour. This extra step amps up the depth and richness of the cider.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Now the fun part: slowly strain your cider through a fine mesh sieve into a large heat-safe container. Then strain it once more to catch any lingering bits—you want a smooth, silky drink. Serve warm, and maybe grab a cozy blanket while you sip. Pro tip: save the solids for compost; they’ve given up all their goodness and are more mush than anything tasty!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: I learned that mixing sweet and tart apples gives your cider the best balance—it’s a game-changer!
- Don’t Skip the Second Cook: That extra hour after mashing is key for extracting all the lovely flavors.
- Strain Slowly: Take your time with straining to avoid pressure in your sieve and get a clearer cider.
- Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with less sugar—you can always add more after tasting the finished cider.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick—it doubles as a stirrer and looks charming. Sometimes I add a thin slice of fresh orange or a few whole cloves studded into a citrus wedge, which adds a festive aroma right at the table.
Side Dishes
This cider pairs wonderfully with freshly baked pumpkin muffins or a slice of warm spiced bread. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside roasted nuts or even a rich caramel apple dessert for a full-on autumn indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like serving this cider in clear glass mugs to show off the golden color. Adding floating apple slices or star anise makes it look extra special. On chilly evenings, serve it in a thermos to keep it warm for guests during outdoor gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cider in a glass jar or pitcher, tightly covered in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days. When I’m ready for more, I reheat it gently on the stove—it tastes just as lovely as the day I made it.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the cider in freezer-safe containers before, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When thawing, I do it slowly in the fridge overnight, then warm it up gently on the stove to avoid any loss in flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheating on the stove is my go-to because it allows me to control the heat and prevent scorching. I heat it until it’s just warm, not boiling, which keeps that fresh, comforting apple aroma alive.
FAQs
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Can I make this apple cider without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all the ingredients in a large stockpot, bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook gently for about 2 hours. Then follow the mashing and straining steps. It takes a little more attention, but the results are nearly identical.
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Can I use whole cloves instead of ground cloves?
Yes, you can use whole cloves—about 2 teaspoons work well—but expect your cider to be a bit lighter in color. The flavor stays just as warm and spicy, so it’s a great swap if you have them on hand.
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How sweet should I make my homemade apple cider?
Sweetness is a personal preference here. I usually start with 6 tablespoons of sugar and adjust after cooking if needed. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar; for tart and spicy cider, use less. Tasting as you go is the best way to make it perfect for you.
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How long does homemade apple cider last in the fridge?
Stored in a covered container, it stays fresh for up to a week. Just warm it before serving to get that cozy cider vibe back!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe invites you to slow down and savor the simple joys of fall in a cup. It’s become a ritual for me and my family—there’s something magical about gathering around a pot of this cider, sharing stories and laughter. I hope you give it a try because nothing beats the delight of serving up a warm, fragrant glass of homemade goodness. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Print
Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 1 and 1/2 quarts (6 cups)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade apple cider recipe captures the cozy flavors of fall with a blend of apples, orange, cinnamon, and cloves. Made in a slow cooker, it’s a warm, comforting drink perfect for chilly days. Sweetened to your liking, this cider is simple to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and keeps well refrigerated or frozen for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 10 medium apples (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
Spices & Sweeteners
- 4 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar (adjustable from 1/4 cup/50g to 1/2 cup/100g depending on sweetness preference)
Liquids
- Water, enough to cover the fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Peel the orange and separate it into segments. Rinse the apples thoroughly, then cut them into quarters, discarding the cores. Place the orange segments and apple quarters into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add spices and sugar: Add the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and granulated sugar to the slow cooker. Pour in enough water to just cover the fruit and spices.
- Cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 4 hours. Low heat is preferred if available, as it better develops flavors and softens the fruit.
- Mash the cooked fruit: Once the fruit is very soft, use tongs or a large slotted spoon to remove the cinnamon sticks. Using a large sturdy spoon or potato masher, mash the softened fruit thoroughly. Return the cinnamon sticks to the pot and cover again.
- Continue cooking: Cook the mashed fruit mixture on low or high heat for an additional hour to deepen the flavors.
- Strain the cider: Very slowly pour the chunky liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or heat-safe pitcher to remove solids. Discard the solids. For extra clarity, strain the cider once more to catch any remaining pieces.
- Serve and store: Serve the apple cider warm. Leftover cider can be refrigerated for 5 to 7 days and reheated on the stove before serving, or enjoyed cold.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: The cider can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Special Tools: A slow cooker (4-quart or larger), a large wooden spoon, a potato masher, and a fine mesh sieve are helpful for preparation.
- Sugar Adjustment: Use less sugar (1/4 cup/50g) for a spicier cider or more sugar (1/2 cup/100g) for a sweeter cider similar to store-bought varieties.
- No Slow Cooker? Use a large stock pot on the stove: combine all ingredients, bring to a simmer over high heat, then lower to medium-low, cover and simmer for 2 hours. Mash and continue as above.
- Instant Pot Option: Not tested by the author, but likely feasible with adjustments.
- Whole Cloves Substitution: 2 teaspoons whole cloves can replace 1 teaspoon ground cloves, resulting in lighter-colored cider but similar flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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