Best apple cider benefits recipes revealed Delicious ways to enjoy this fall treat Discover health benefits easy prep techs now
Total Time:3 hours 15 minutes
Yield:8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
8–10 medium apples (mix of sweet, tart, and aromatic varieties)
8–12 cups filtered water
2–3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
Optional: Star anise
Optional: Nutmeg
Optional: Orange peel
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey (to taste)
Instructions
Wash and quarter the apples. There's no need to peel or core them; the peels add color and flavor.
Place the apples in a large pot (at least 6-8 quart capacity). Add the water and spices. Make sure the apples are mostly covered with water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the apples will break down and release their flavors.
After simmering, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the apples, releasing even more flavor.
Place a colander lined with cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. Carefully pour the apple mixture into the lined colander. Let the cider strain naturally; avoid pressing on the solids, as this can make the cider cloudy. You can strain it a second time for an even clearer cider.
Taste the cider and add sweetener, if desired. Stir until dissolved.
Serve warm in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if desired.
Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Notes
Learn how to create delicious, homemade apple cider with this simple recipe using fresh apples and spices. Perfect for enjoying on a crisp autumn day. This recipe includes tips on selecting the best apples, simmering the cider to perfection, customization options, storage, nutritional information, and serving suggestions.
