Homemade Apple Cider

Homemade Apple Cider that’s filled with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and a little clove. It’s the perfect drink to warm up with! Slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stovetop instructions included.

Homemade Apple Cider

I have a treat for all of you today!! I have been working on making this homemade apple cider for a while now, trying to get the spices just right. Now, having said that, I will give ranges in the recipe card for the spices. I know some may like a more mildly spiced cider (my family) and some may like it spicier.

A few other fall recipes you must try are: Apple Crumb Cake, Easy Homemade Applesauce, and Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

Apple Cider Recipe

You guys, I think we had one week of fall and now I feel like winter is knocking at my door and I am not ready!!!! Please come back fall, I want those 75 degree days back!! Today it’s only 35 degrees F and I’m in full winter attire plus some!! I may or may not have 3 layers on trying to warm up.

I need to make more of this apple cider so I can warm up. Apple cider is by far one of my favorite warm drinks. I remember drinking this (and burning my tongue) all throughout my childhood. In my opinion, you can’t have a holiday without it.

How do you make hot apple cider?

So, glad you asked and I happen to have 3 different ways you can make homemade hot apple cider!

Slow Cooker:

• Place all ingredients in a 6 quart slow cooker.
• Add enough water to cover the fruit plus a little bit extra.
• Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours and HIGH for 4 hours.

Instant Pot:

• Place all ingredients in a 6 quart or larger Instant Pot.
• Add 6 cups water.
• Cover, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Do a natural release or a natural release for 15 minutes the vent the rest.

Stovetop:

• Place all ingredients in a large stockpot.
• Add enough water to cover the fruit plus a little extra.
• Cover and cook on high heat for 30 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-2 1/2 hours. *Add water as needed to keep the fruit covered.

What ingredients are in homemade apple cider?

• Apples (use a variety for best flavor)
• Orange juice
• Cinnamon
• Ground Allspice
• Ground Cloves
• Vanilla
• Salt (yes you read that right, just trust me!)
• Something to sweeten it with (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and regular sugar) I personally like maple syrup.

5 from 5 votes

Print

Homemade Apple Cider

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

8 hrs

Total Time

8 hrs 10 mins

 

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple cider recipe, homemade apple cider, hot apple cider

Servings: 8 -12

Calories: 135 kcal

Author: Malinda Linnebur

Ingredients

• 4 pound (2280g) apples (about 10-12 medium)
• 1 cup (236ml) orange juice
• 1-2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2- 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• pinch salt

Instructions

SLOW COOKER:

1. Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker along with remaining ingredients. 

2. Add enough water to cover fruit plus a little extra. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. 

3. Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 

INSTANT POT:

1. Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger Instant Pot along with remaining ingredients.
   

2. Add 6 cups water. Cover, set to knob sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Do a natural release or natural release for 15 minutes then vent. 

3. Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 
   

STOVE TOP:

1. Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a large stockpot along with remaining ingredients. 

2. Add enough water to cover fruit plus a little extra. Cover and cook high for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn to low and simmer for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Add water as needed to keep the fruit covered. 
   

3. Mash fruit with the back of a spoon as much as possible. Carefully strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or bowl. You can strain the liquid one more time if you want. Taste and add sweetener of choice if desired. 
   

Recipe Notes

1. I recommend using a variety of apples to make flavorful apple cider. Choose ones that you like to eat. 
2. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. 
3. Freeze for up to 3 months. 
4. Use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or regular sugar to sweeten to your taste. I personally like maple syrup. 
5. Nutrition facts not calculated with sugar added. 
6. I personally like to make this at least one day in advance. I think it tastes better the next day.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Apple Cider

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 135

% Daily Value*

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 301mg9%

Carbohydrates 35g12%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 26g29%

Vitamin A 180IU4%

Vitamin C 25.3mg31%

Calcium 24mg2%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.