There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Warm & Delicious Homemade Apple Cider filling your home on a crisp day. This recipe blends sweet, tangy apples with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating a rich, velvety drink that feels like a cozy hug. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow simmer for 3 hours, the flavors meld into perfection, making every sip worth the wait.
The cider’s smooth texture and deep, spiced sweetness are perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with loved ones. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that brings warmth and joy to any moment, whether it’s a quiet evening or a festive gathering. Let this homemade cider become your go-to comfort drink this season.
Ingredients for Warm & Delicious Homemade Apple Cider
- 10 large apples, quartered (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- ½ medium orange, halved (leave the peel on for added flavor)
- 4 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (or ½ teaspoon ground cloves)
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice (or ½ teaspoon ground allspice)
- 1 whole nutmeg (or ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg)
- ½ cup (3oz/85g) brown sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup)
- 3 quarts (3 litres) water
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Cider
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the quartered apples, orange halves, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, whole nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Pour the 3 quarts of water over the ingredients, cover with a lid, and bring to a steady simmer.
- Let the mixture simmer covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, remove the orange halves and use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the apples thoroughly.
- Return the mixture to a simmer, this time uncovered, and let it cook for 1 more hour to concentrate the flavors.
- Place a fine strainer over a large pot and line it with a thin tea towel or cheesecloth.
- Carefully pour the apple mash into the strainer, pressing on the solids with a wooden spoon to extract all the juices. Discard the solids.
- Serve the apple cider warm for a cozy treat. For an adult twist, add a drop of whiskey to each serving.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Cozy Serving Suggestions
Serve your Warm & Delicious Homemade Apple Cider in mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for a festive touch. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing at a fall gathering!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store your apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid boiling to preserve the rich, spiced flavor.
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper flavor. For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey just before serving. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste—try adding a star anise or a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
Time-Saving Shortcuts
To cut down on prep time, use pre-sliced apples or a food processor to quarter them quickly. If you’re short on simmering time, reduce the final uncovered simmer to 30 minutes—though the flavor will be slightly less concentrated. For an even quicker option, use store-bought apple juice and infuse it with the spices for 20-30 minutes on the stovetop.
Essential Equipment Notes
A large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is key for simmering the cider evenly. A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth ensures a smooth, pulp-free drink. If you don’t have a potato masher, a sturdy wooden spoon works just as well for mashing the apples. For easy cleanup, line your strainer with a thin tea towel or cheesecloth.
Warm & Delicious Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 10 large apples quartered
- ½ medium orange halved
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 whole nutmeg
- ½ cup brown sugar (3oz/85g)
- 3 quarts water (3 litres)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add apples, orange, spices, and brown sugar. Pour over the water, cover with a lid and bring to a simmer. Simmer steadily, covered for 2 full hours.
- After the 2 hours, remove the pieces of orange and then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the apples. Return to a simmer, uncovered, and let simmer for 1 hour more.
- Place a fine strainer over a large pot. Lay a thin tea towel or cheesecloth in the strainer. Pass the apple mash through the strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.
- Serve apple cider warm on a cold fall day. Irish it up with a drop of whiskey. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. It will also keep well frozen for up to 2 months.
