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.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time8 hours hrs
Total Time8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider recipe, homemade apple cider, hot apple cider
Servings: 8 -12
Calories: 135kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
- 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
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.
- 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.
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 25.3mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.4mg