To make homemade apple cider, follow these general steps:
- Gather Ingredients:
- 10-12 medium apples (assorted types)
- 2 oranges, quartered
- Spices: cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, optionally allspice, nutmeg, ginger
- Water (about 16 cups)
- Sweetener, such as brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- Prepare:
- Quarter the apples and oranges (peel oranges if less tartness desired)
- Place all fruit and spices in a large stockpot or slow cooker
- Cook:
- Add water to cover the fruit with an inch or two of space left
- Heat to a simmer on stovetop or cook on low in a slow cooker
- Simmer for about 2 hours until apples are soft
- Mash the cooked apples and oranges with a masher or wooden spoon to release flavors
- Simmer for an additional hour
- Strain and Sweeten:
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids
- Stir in sweetener to taste
- Serve:
- Serve the cider warm with optional garnishes like orange slices or cinnamon sticks
- Or refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage
This homemade apple cider is a warm, spiced, and cozy beverage perfect for fall or any time one wants fresh cider flavor.
