Nothing captures the coziness of the holidays quite like a brimming pot of homemade apple cider simmering on the stove. The sweet aroma of apples, cinnamon, and spice fills your home and instantly makes everything feel warm and festive. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends after a chilly day outside. Whether you serve it warm by the fire or chilled for a holiday gathering, it’s a tradition that brings joy to every cup!
Ingredients:
- 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp + Granny Smith)
- 1 orange (optional, for added citrus flavor)
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 tsp ground cloves)
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 cups water (more as needed)
- ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
- Prep the fruit:
- Wash the apples and orange well.
- Quarter the apples (no need to peel or core).
- Quarter the orange, removing seeds if possible.
- Cook:
- Add apples, orange, spices, and water to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours – until the apples are very soft.
- Mash & Simmer:
- Use a potato masher or spoon to mash the apples and orange in the pot.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Strain:
- Carefully strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or pitcher.
- Discard solids (or compost them!).
- Sweeten:
- Stir in brown sugar while the cider is still warm. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
- Or refrigerate and serve cold later.
- Garnish with dried apples and a cinnamon stick
Optional Additions:
- A splash of vanilla extract
- Star anise (for a deeper spice flavor)
