Nothing beats a warm, cozy drink on a cold fall day and this Homemade Apple Cider is 100% on point! And who doesn’t love food that doubles as an air freshener? Consider us sold. Here’s the recipe to help you channel your inner Martha Stewart (and it’s not as complicated as you would think).
The weather man decided to turn down the thermostat – soooo you can find me cuddled up with a blanket (with my lavender rice bag – wow, maybe I should dial up my wife game, sorry Charles). Since we’re spending more time inside AND apples are literally falling off the trees as I type, this recipe couldn’t quite frankly come at a better time.
I always thought apple cider was difficult to make. I don’t usually like being wrong, but I’ll take it here. This homemade apple cider really does come together so easily with only a few simple ingredients. Once you slice your apples and add them to the pot along with an orange, spices, and water you can let it simmer on the stove and forget about it for a few hours (something I’ve been known to do even when I’m not supposed to – haha this one is made for me). Once it’s all done just pour it through a fine sieve and voila, you have apple cider!
Now this cider isn’t perfectly clear like the version that is in a carton or powdered apple cider. We’re so ok with that! If you prefer your apple cider more refined you can strain the mixture through cheese cloth after the sieve. We personally were fans of the little bits of apple that gets through the sieve; much more rustic but again, totally up to you.
Though you can sweeten this, I found that the apples have enough sweetness in them already, meaning there’s zero need to add anything. That being said, if you or your kids like a sweeter drink you can add a touch of maple syrup to taste. It gives it a nice bit of extra flavour too if that’s your jam!
We used MacIntosh apples (they cook down to a soft texture) but any type of apple will work! I break down the different types of apples and what they’re good for in this Homemade Applesauce post. This recipe makes enough for 4 glasses of homemade apple cider but it keeps well in the fridge if you want to double the batch!
Homemade Apple Cider
This homemade apple cider is as simple as it gets and tastes delicious on a cold autumn day.
Ingredients
- 6 apples (quartered)*
- 2 - 3 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- maple syrup (optional- to taste)
- 8 cups water
Instructions
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In a large pot combine all ingredients except maple syrup and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, cover and turn down to low for 2 hours.
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After approximately 2 hours, stir and gently mash apples and orange to help incorporate their flavours. Cover, and let simmer for another 30-40 minutes.
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Remove from the stove. Pour apple cider mixture through a fine sieve into a heat proof bowl or large glass measuring cup. Discard apple pulp.
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Add maple syrup to taste (we started with 1 tablespoon but it's up to you) and serve warm with a cinnamon stick to garnish if desired.
Apples are such a versatile ingredient and are full of soluble fibre in their whole fruit form. I love using them in all sorts of recipes, or Charlie is a huge fan of sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon as a lunch snack! They’re the star of the show in these Double Apple Muffins. Or for a savoury option, they really shine in this Confetti Kale Salad (plus it’s so pretty to look at)!
I made this last night, and it was delicious! I used crab apples because I have an abundance of them at the moment.
A great benefit was how it made my house smell. I came home from work the following day, and walked into a home that still smelled like apples and all those fall spices I love.
So happy you liked it Tania! I agree the smell of the house after is the best part.