Homemade Apple Cider

5 from 5 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time8 10

Course: Beverage

Cuisine: American

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

Servings: -12

Calories: 135kcal

Author: Malinda Linnebur

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.

Nutrition