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Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe - Better Than Store-Bought!

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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 cups
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 117
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Wash and quarter apples and oranges. Leave peels and cores for added nutrients.
  2. Place fruit and spices in a large pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
  3. Add water until fruit is covered by 1–2 inches.
  4. 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.
  5. After cooking, mash fruit with wooden spoon or potato masher to release flavors.
  6. Taste and add sweetener gradually, adjusting to preference.
  7. Strain through fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Press solids to extract liquid.
  8. 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.