Nothing says fall like the aroma of homemade hot apple cider simmering on the stove. This Homemade Hot Apple Cider is easy to make, cozy, and perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings in. With fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of spice, this cider warms you from the inside out—no fall celebration is complete without it!
Why Make Homemade Hot Apple Cider?
Sure, store-bought cider is convenient, but homemade hot apple cider lets you control the flavor and sweetness, creating a drink tailored to your taste. Plus, it fills your home with a delicious, spiced aroma that’s perfect for the season. Here’s why you’ll love making this cider:
- Fresh Flavor: Homemade hot apple cider has a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from a store-bought carton.
- No Added Preservatives: It’s made with real apples and natural ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re sipping.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Making homemade hot apple cider is simple, and these ingredients can be found in most kitchens. Here are the essentials, plus some optional extras to make the cider your own.
Homemade Hot Apple Cider: A Cozy Classic
This Homemade Hot Apple Cider is easy to make, cozy, and perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings in.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For simmering the cider and holding all the ingredients.
- 1 Cutting board For chopping the apples and slicing the orange.
- 1 Sharp knife To core and quarter the apples and slice the orange.
- 1 Wooden spoon or ladle For stirring the cider occasionally as it simmers.
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth To strain out solids after cooking.
- 1 Large heatproof bowl or pitcher To hold the cider after straining.
- Mugs or heatproof cups For serving the hot cider.
Ingredients
- 8-10 Apples 8-10 medium, a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor
- 2-3 Cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 Whole cloves
- Star anise optional, for an extra layer of flavor
- 1 Orange sliced, optional for a citrusy twist
- ¼ to ½ cup Sweetener brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, adjusted to taste
- Water enough to cover the apples in the pot
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Core and quarter the apples. No need to peel them, as the skins add flavor and color to the cider.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot
- Place the apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices (if using) in a large pot. Add enough water to cover everything by about an inch.
Simmer and Sweeten
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally and gently mashing the apples with a spoon to release their juices.
Strain and Sweeten
- Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the cider into a heatproof bowl or pitcher, pressing the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Add sweetener to taste and stir well.
Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the cider into mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice, and serve warm. Enjoy the cozy taste of fall in every sip!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per 8 oz serving, makes 6-8 servings)
- Calories: ~120 (may vary depending on sweetener amount)
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: 6% of daily value
- Iron: 1% of daily value
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Use a Blend of Apples
- Mixing sweet and tart apples gives the cider a more complex flavor. Try Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith for a balanced blend.
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Add Flavor Boosters
- For a bit of kick, add a slice of fresh ginger or a few allspice berries. For deeper sweetness, try a drizzle of molasses.
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Sweetener Adjustments
- Taste the cider before adding sweetener, as apples can vary in sweetness. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
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Make It in a Slow Cooker
- For an easy alternative, put all ingredients in a slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer for 4-6 hours. This hands-off method is perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
FAQs
Q: Can I store leftover apple cider?Yes! Leftover cider can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Q: Can I make this recipe in larger batches?
Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients, but keep an eye on the water level so the cider doesn’t get too diluted.
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Tips for the Perfect Cider
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Here’s Another Fun Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe to Try!
Homemade Hot Apple Cider
This hot apple cider is seasoned with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange, and lemon for a cozy drink. Start with only six strips each of the orange and lemon peel, and adjust to taste.
Equipment
- 1 Large Stainless Steel Saucepan
- 1 Washed Cheesecloth
- Kitchen String
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 6 cups Apple Cider
- ¼ cup Real Maple Syrup
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 6 Whole Allspice Berries
- 1 Orange Peel, Cut Into Strips
- 1 Lemon Peel, Cut Into Strips
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients.
- Pour apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.
- Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel in the center of a square of washed cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
- Place the saucepan over moderate heat and cook until cider is very hot but not boiling, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle.
- Ladle cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 163kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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