Enjoy cozy flavors with this Homemade Apple Cider recipe, made with fresh apples and warm spices. This comforting beverage will fill your home with a delightful aroma and warm you up, served either plain or as a mixer for Fall cocktails.
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Apple Cider Origins
One of the most fascinating aspects of research (thank you Smithsonian for these notes) on the origins of Homemade Apple Cider is the fact that the alcoholic version is more closely linked to the traditional way it was made due to people never knowing whether they would be bitter or sweet (the types of apples we eat today are cloned to make life easier) so cider was really only way to guarantee a satisfying way of consuming apples historically. Also recommend this article here for further reading on the origins, apples have a good story!
Ingredients and substitutions for Homemade Apple Cider
- Apples: The key is to use fresh, quality apples that are in season for the best results in your Homemade Apple Cider recipe. These three variations are all a great choice. Granny Smith are known for their tartness, which adds a nice tang to the cider. They hold up well during cooking and contribute a bright flavor. Honeycrisp apples are crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet. They bring a refreshing taste to the cider and are favored for their excellent flavor. Gala apples are sweet with a hint of tartness. They have a thinner skin, making them easier to process for the cider. Gala apples provide a pleasant sweetness to the drink.
- Sugar: The superfine or caster sugar adds sweetness without additional flavor. You could replace in equal measure with light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is not recommended as this would add a different flavor.
- Spices: The cinnamon sticks infuse the apple cider with warmth and adds sweetness alongside the apple and sugar. You could substitute with ground cinnamon, though it might clump a little. The allspice adds a perfect well round spice flavor throughout the cider, you could replace with ground nutmeg, star anise and cloves.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Homemade Apple Cider:
Step 1: Boil and simmer: Boil the apples and spices uncovered into a large pot.
Step 2: Simmer: Covered for a further 2 hours covered until soft.
Step 3: Strain: Strain the mixture, discarding the apples and spices before pouring into a bottle and refrigerating.
Step 4: Serve: Heat until warmed, pour into a serving cup and serve with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
FAQ's for the best Homemade Apple Cider
There are several reasons to make Homemade Apple Cider. Firstly, it allows you to control the quality and flavors by using fresh and natural ingredients. Secondly, making it at home gives you the opportunity to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Finally, the process of making Homemade Apple Cider fills your home with a delightful aroma and creates a cozy atmosphere.
Absolutely! You can customize Homemade Apple Cider by adding additional spices such as nutmeg or star anise for extra warmth and flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
Homemade Apple Cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness.
More warm drinks you'll enjoy
Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples quartered
- 125 grams / ⅔ cup superfine/caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ tablespoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Place the apples (skin and seeds included) and water in a pot and add enough water to cover, approximately 2-3 liters or ½-2/3's a gallon.
- Add the sugar, ground cinnamon and allspice.
- Heat on medium and boil uncovered for 1 hour.
- Lower to medium heat and simmer covered for a further 2 hours.
- Remove from the heat and strain, allowing the liquid to drip free for a minimum 15 minutes, stirring to ensure all the liquid has drained off.
- Pour into a container or bottle and refrigerate.
- To serve, heat low to medium heat for approximately 3 minutes or until lightly simmering.
- Serve warm with a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Customize the cider: Add additional spices such as nutmeg or star anise for extra warmth and flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Keep refrigerated: For up to one week. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness.
Nutrition
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