Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Introduction

Homemade apple cider is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year round. This easy slow cooker recipe combines fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness to create a cozy beverage perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings.

Ingredients

• 10 medium apples (use a variety—I use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
• 1 orange
• 4 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar*
• Water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the orange and place the segments in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Rinse the apples, cut into quarters, and discard the cores. Add the apple quarters to the slow cooker along with the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and sugar. Pour in enough water to cover the fruit completely.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours, or on high heat for 4 hours. Low heat is preferable if your slow cooker allows it.
3. Step 3: Once the fruit is very soft, use tongs or a large slotted spoon to remove the cinnamon sticks. Mash the fruit in the slow cooker using a large spoon or potato masher. Return the cinnamon sticks to the mixture and cover again.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking on low or high heat for an additional hour.
5. Step 5: Slowly strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or heat-safe pitcher. Discard the solids. For a clearer cider, strain the liquid a second time to remove any remaining pulp. Serve warm.
6. Step 6: Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, or enjoy chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different apple varieties to adjust sweetness and tartness to your liking.
• If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the cinnamon sticks or add a small piece of fresh ginger during cooking.
• For a less sweet cider, reduce the sugar or use honey as a natural sweetener after cooking.
• To make this recipe on the stove, simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 1–2 hours, mashing fruit and straining as directed.

Storage

Store homemade apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Before serving, warm it gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, or serve it chilled for a refreshing twist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make apple cider without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat for 1–2 hours, following the same mashing and straining steps. Just keep an eye to prevent burning and add water as needed.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my apple cider?

You can modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar used or substituting with honey or maple syrup. Taste the cider after cooking and add sweetener gradually until it reaches your preferred level.

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings (1 cup each) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade apple cider recipe is a cozy, spiced beverage perfect for chilly days. Made by slow-cooking a mix of apples, orange, cinnamon, and cloves, it results in a warm, flavorful cider that is both comforting and naturally sweetened. The slow cooker does most of the work, developing deep, rich flavors that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 10 medium apples (a variety such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented

Spices and Sweetener

• 4 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 6 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar

Liquid

• Water (enough to cover the fruit)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Peel the orange and place the segments into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Rinse the apples, cut into quarters, and discard the cores before adding them to the slow cooker along with the orange segments.
2. Add Spices and Sugar: Add the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and granulated sugar to the slow cooker with the fruit. Pour in just enough water to fully cover the fruit mixture.
3. Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for about 4 hours. Low heat is preferred for better flavor extraction and softness of the fruit.
4. Mash the Fruit: Once the fruit is very soft, remove the cinnamon sticks with tongs or a slotted spoon. Use a large sturdy spoon or potato masher to mash the cooked fruit inside the slow cooker. Return the cinnamon sticks to the mixture and cover.
5. Continue Cooking: Cook the mashed fruit on low or high heat for 1 additional hour to deepen the flavors.
6. Strain the Cider: Slowly pour the saucepan contents through a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or heat-safe pitcher, straining out the solids which can be discarded. For a clearer cider, strain the liquid one more time to ensure no solids remain.
7. Serve: Serve the apple cider warm. It can also be chilled and served cold if preferred.
8. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover cider for 5 to 7 days. Reheat on the stove before serving again or enjoy it cold.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier cider, increase the amount of cinnamon sticks or cloves slightly.
• You can adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of apples and your preference.
• For a clearer cider, additional strains using cheesecloth can be done.
• This cider can also be infused with additional flavors like ginger or star anise for variation.
• Use a slow cooker size of at least 4 quarts to accommodate the volume of fruit and liquid comfortably.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider, homemade cider, slow cooker cider, fall drink, spiced apple cider, warm beverage