Description
This homemade apple cider recipe is the perfect fall comfort drink—warm, spiced, and packed with antioxidants. Made with fresh apples, oranges, and aromatic spices, this cider delivers more polyphenols and health benefits than apple juice, making it a nourishing seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala)
- 2 fresh oranges, quartered (peeling optional)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 16 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- Optional: 1 whole nutmeg
- Optional: 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- Optional: 1/2 cup sweetener (brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey)
Instructions
- Wash and quarter apples and oranges. Leave peels and cores for added nutrients.
- Place fruit and spices in a large pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Add water until fruit is covered by 1–2 inches.
- Cook according to method: stovetop simmer 2 hours, slow cooker 6-8 hours low/3-4 hours high, Instant Pot 25 minutes with natural release.
- After cooking, mash fruit with wooden spoon or potato masher to release flavors.
- Taste and add sweetener gradually, adjusting to preference.
- Strain through fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Press solids to extract liquid.
- Serve hot in mugs, garnish with cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best balance. Lightly crush spices before adding to release more flavor. Always sweeten after cooking and straining to prevent bitterness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (stovetop)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 117
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade apple cider, spiced apple cider, fall drink, autumn beverage, healthy cider