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Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

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4.5 from 113 reviews

This homemade apple cider recipe produces a warm, spiced beverage perfect for chilly days and cozy gatherings. Made by simmering fresh apples, orange, and traditional warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg with brown sugar, this cider is rich, naturally sweetened, and filled with autumnal flavors. The slow simmering extract juices and infuses the cider with deep, delicious notes, making it an ideal comforting drink for seasonal celebrations or everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fruits

  • 10 large apples, quartered
  • 1 orange, halved

Spices

  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice
  • 1 whole nutmeg

Sweetener

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients to Pot: In a large stockpot over medium heat, combine the quartered apples, halved orange, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, whole nutmeg, and brown sugar. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients by at least 2 inches.
  2. Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to soften completely.
  3. Mash Apples and Continue Simmering: Remove the orange halves from the pot. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened apples and release their juices. Return the pot to a simmer uncovered and cook for an additional 1 hour to further concentrate the flavors and liquid.
  4. Strain Cider: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the solids with a wooden spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids afterwards, leaving a smooth, flavorful apple cider.
  5. Serve Warm: Pour the freshly strained apple cider into mugs and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for presentation.

Notes

  • Use a variety of apples (e.g., a mix of sweet and tart) to enhance the cider’s complexity.
  • Adjust brown sugar amount to your preferred sweetness.
  • Whole spices can be replaced with ground versions, but whole spices provide the best flavor infusion and easier straining.
  • For a clear cider, strain through a cheesecloth after the fine mesh strainer.
  • This cider can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving; avoid boiling once strained to preserve flavor.

Find it online: https://queenrecipe.com/homemade-spiced-apple-cider-recipe/