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.
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!! 🙂