Homemade Apple Cider

When I think of top fall recipes to try out Homemade Apple Cider is one of the recipes that instantly comes to mind. It’s actually really easy and simple to make at home because the ingredients are readily available in any kitchen. I recommend using a variety of apples to improve the flavor. Don’t forget to add oranges for that unique hint of citrus burst that beautifully compliments the sweetness of the apples. Forget store-bought apples cider and get ready to make this signature drink in simple easy steps.

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Cook Time: 3 hours.

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes.

You have to make this quintessential fall drink with a warm, inviting aroma. Making apple cider at home is the easiest and great way of using up extra apples considering how cheap they are around this time of the year.

Yield: 1 gallon

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

10-12 medium apples (variety of Granny Smith, Rome, Honeycrisp, and Gala)

1-gallon water

2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned

1 ½ tablespoons ground cloves or 1 tablespoon whole cloves

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 4 cinnamon sticks,3-inch

Brown sugar and white sugar to taste, optional

Garnish

Cinnamon stick

Orange slices

Apple slices

Instructions

Stovetop Homemade Apple Cider:

1. Thoroughly wash the apples, core and cut them into wedges. Place the apple wedges in a stock pot and add orange slices.
2. Wrap whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth then place the cloth into the stockpot. Drizzle the ground spices on top of the fruit and fill the stockpot with enough water to cover the fruit.
3. Boil the fruit (uncovered) on high heat for 1 hour, stir the ingredients frequently. Reduce the heat to low, place a lid on the stockpot and let the pot simmer for two hours. Add water as needed and ensure the fruit is covered.
4. Remove the pot from the stove after 2 hours of simmering and allow it to cool.
5. Remove the cheesecloth from the stockpot. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the fruit to a consistent puree.
6. Pour the mashed puree into a strainer over a large bowl and drain out the juice.
7. Taste your apple cider for sweetness and add sugar to your desired taste.
8. Garnish your delicious homemade apple cider with apple slices, orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
9. Serve piping hot or cold. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• For a more traditional and pure apple cider taste substitute the oranges with more apples.
• Use the cooked fruit for another purpose like apple sauce instead of discarding it.
• Transfer the apple cider into an air tight container and refrigerate for 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Omit sugar and instead use diabetic sweeteners to make this recipe a diabetic recipe.