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.
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.
Some more fall recipes you may like:
- Apple Crumb Cake
- Easy Homemade Apple Sauce
- Classic Pumpkin Pie
- Easy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Caramel Apple Pecan Cake
Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 pound (2280g) apples (about 10-12 medium)
- 1 cup (236ml) orange juice
- 1-2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½- 1 teaspoon ground clove
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch salt
Instructions
SLOW COOKER:
- Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker along with remaining ingredients.
- Add enough water to cover fruit plus a little extra. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- 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:
- Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a 6 quart or larger Instant Pot along with remaining ingredients.
- 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.
- 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:
- Wash apples, core, and cut into wedges. Add to a large stockpot along with remaining ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- I recommend using a variety of apples to make flavorful apple cider. Choose ones that you like to eat.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or regular sugar to sweeten to your taste. I personally like maple syrup.
- I personally like to make this at least one day in advance. I think it tastes better the next day.
- Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. Nutrition facts not calculated with sugar added.
Do I have to core the apples since I’ll strain it all off anyway?
No you don’t! Hope you enjoy the cider!
Are the apples any good after using for anything?
You can use them to make applesauce. Add spices and sweetener of choice to your taste or add it to compost if you do that or even give it to chickens as a tasty treat.
I have never made my own apple cider! I’m excited to try this recipe!!
It’s easier than a person thinks!! 🙂 Let me know how you like it!
I have never seen a recipe that uses actual apples for this! (Just apple juice or cider you buy from the store). I am dying to make this! I love that you’ve included instructions for three different ways to make it!
You have to try it!! Just use apples you like to eat and use a variety for best flavor.
This homemade apple cider sounds delicious and I love you have the three options for making it!
Thank you Danielle, it’s become a family favorite!!
Mmmm we love apple cider around here! I can’t wait to bust out the IP to make this!
It’s a keeper and I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I have apples sitting on my counter I don’t know what to do with! This is perfect! Love that I can make it in the IP or on the stove!
I know you’ll love it!! 🙂