Description
Warm, spiced homemade apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, perfect for cozy autumn gatherings and easy to make on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart), cored and quartered
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 5 whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, adjust to taste
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large pot on the stove and have your wooden spoon, strainer or cheesecloth, and ladle ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quartered apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, grated nutmeg, brown sugar, and 8 cups of water to the pot.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Stir gently to help the sugar start dissolving and distribute the spices evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook to Perfection: Reduce heat to low, uncover slightly, and simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. When the apples are very soft, lightly mash them in the pot to release more juice.
- Finishing Touches: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pot or pitcher, pressing on solids to extract liquid. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour into mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, and serve warm. Reheat gently if made ahead.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best, layered flavor.
- Taste and sweeten gradually so you do not over-sweeten the cider.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 5 days to allow flavors to meld, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a brighter note add a few lemon slices or extra orange zest during simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg