Description

This Homemade Apple Cider recipe offers a warm, comforting drink made from a blend of assorted apples, oranges, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, this cozy beverage is perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings, delivering a deliciously spiced flavor profile with every sip.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

12 medium assorted apples, quartered
2 oranges, quartered

Spices & Flavorings

4 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
1 whole nutmeg
2 vanilla beans
2 star anise
2 inches fresh ginger, sliced

Liquids & Sweeteners

16 cups water (more or less)
2/3 cup pure maple syrup, plus more if needed

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the quartered apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, vanilla beans, star anise, fresh ginger, and water in a large stockpot.
Heat to Simmer: Set the pot over high heat and cover with a lid, leaving about two inches of space at the top. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer Softening: Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue to simmer for about 2 hours or until the apples and oranges become very soft.
Mash the Fruit: Use a potato masher to mash the softened fruit into the liquid to release more flavor. Cover again and simmer for an additional 1 hour.
Strain the Cider: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. Discard the solid fruit and spices.
Sweeten and Serve: While the cider is still hot, stir in more maple syrup if desired to adjust sweetness. Serve warm, garnished with cinnamon sticks and fresh orange slices if desired.

Notes

You can adjust the types of apples according to sweetness and tartness preference to balance the flavor.
To make it spicier, consider adding more fresh ginger or extra cinnamon sticks.
The cider can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated before serving.
For a clear cider, strain twice through a cheesecloth.
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar but will alter the flavor slightly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Beverage
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
Calories: 138
Sugar: 27g
Sodium: 18mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: homemade apple cider, spiced apple cider, warm apple beverage, autumn drink, fall recipes, holiday drink