How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

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Falling leaves, a cool breeze rustling through the trees, all telltale signs that fall is just around the corner! And what could be a better drink for those chilly afternoons than homemade apple cider? Hints of cinnamon and cloves, with a little citrus zing, this apple cider recipe is sure to be a hit this autumn!

This delicious cider, bursting with all the flavors of fall, is super easy to throw together. The perfect drink for cool evenings around the fire-pit, or just to chase away the morning chill.

Filled with many of the same nutrients as whole apples, this cider is packed full of vitamins and minerals as well as polyphenols which have antioxidant properties.

In addition to this, there is also the added benefit of vitamin C from the orange juice added to the cider for that nice citrusy pop.

I love having simple, seasonal recipes that I can pull out and make with little hands on time while still providing a delicious treat for my family! Apple cider is a staple in our house during the fall, and I’m sure it will be in yours as well. 😉

Tools for the Job

Sturdy stock pot – I prefer my 6qt. stock pot for this, but you could probably get away with a 4qt. if you are careful. I tend to make messes, so I like the extra room!

Knife – You will want a sharp knife for cutting the apples and orange.

Sturdy spoon – A sturdy spoon, wooden or stainless steel makes the job of stirring the solids much easier.

Potato masher – This tool comes in handy when you need to mash the fruit about halfway through the cooking process.

Sieve or strainer – Having a nice strainer that fits onto the edge of a bowl or pot is lovely in this instance.

Measuring utensils – You will need a smattering of measuring spoons for this recipe as well as a measuring cups for the cranberries and water.

Ingredients You Will Need for Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

10-15 apples, quartered and cored

1 orange, peeled and quartered

1/4 cup dried (or fresh) cranberries

6 cinnamon sticks (I like ceylon cinnamon)

12 cups water

3/4 cup sucanat (or sweetener of preference)

1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. whole cloves

1 Tbsp. allspice

2 tsp. powdered cardamom

1/2 Tbsp. nutmeg

How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

First, rinse, core and cut the apples. I like to quarter mine, depending on how large the apple is. Next, peel and quarter the orange. You could leave it whole, but I think the flavor steeps better when it is quartered.

Note: If you leave the skin on it can produce a more bitter flavor in your cider.

Then, add the water, sweetener and spices to the pot along with the fruit. Give it all a good stir.

Bring the cider to a boil over medium heat and let continue to boil for about 5 minutes before reducing heat.

Let the cider simmer with the lid on for about an hour. You don’t want those volatile oils to all waft out into the air.

Stir it every so often to make sure that none of the fruit or spices get stuck on the bottom of the pot and burn. Burnt cider does not make for happy party guests (or a happy mama).

After an hour, mash the apples and other fruit with a potato masher (or whatever utensil you have handy for the job). Then return the lid to the pot and let simmer for another hour.

After the second hour, strain the fruit and spice solids out of the cider. Serve warm or let cool and serve chilled.

Note: If you remove the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, you could take the rest of the mash and turn it into a delicious apple sauce.

Alternatively, you could throw the whole mess to the chickens, who will, inevitably, be delighted with the treat!

Nothing goes to waste on the homestead. 🙂

Other Homestead Kitchen Recipes You Might Enjoy

Sweet and Simple Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

How to Make Easy Einkorn Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Bread

The Best Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Hints of cinnamon and cloves, with a little citrus zing, this apple cider recipe is sure to be a hit this autumn!

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Ingredients

• 10-15 apples, quartered and cored
• 1 orange, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup dried (or fresh) cranberries
• 6 cinnamon sticks (I like ceylon cinnamon)
• 12 cups water
• 3/4 cup sucanat (or sweetener of preference)
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 1 Tbsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. powdered cardamom
• 1/2 Tbsp. nutmeg

Instructions

1. Rinse, core and cut the apples. I like to quarter mine, depending on how large the apple is. Next, peel and quarter the orange.

2. Add the water, sweetener and spices to the pot along with the fruit. Give it all a good stir.

3. Bring the cider to a boil over medium heat and let continue to boil for about 5 minutes before reducing heat.

4. Let the cider simmer with the lid on for about an hour. You don’t want those volatile oils to all waft out into the air. Stir it every so often to make sure that none of the fruit or spices get stuck on the bottom of the pot and burn.

5. After an hour, mash the apples and other fruit with a potato masher (or whatever utensil you have handy for the job). Then return the lid to the pot and let simmer for another hour.

6. After the second hour, strain the fruit and spice solids out of the cider. Serve warm or let cool and serve chilled.

Notes

If you remove the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, you could take the rest of the mash and turn it into a delicious apple sauce.

Alternatively, you could throw the whole mess to the chickens, who will, inevitably, be delighted with the treat! Nothing goes to waste on the homestead.