Classic Homemade Apple Cider: Warm, Spiced, and Comforting 🍎🍂

A Fall Favorite Made From Scratch

Classic Homemade Apple Cider is the kind of cozy, fragrant drink that makes your kitchen smell like a crisp autumn afternoon.

Made with fresh apples, warming spices, citrus, and a touch of brown sugar, this cider is simmered slowly to draw out every bit of natural sweetness and spice.

Serve it hot or chilled, spiked or straight — it’s simple, soul-warming, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients (Makes about 8 cups)

• 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp + Granny Smith)
• 1 orange, quartered (optional: peel removed for less bitterness)
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp whole allspice
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½–¾ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 8–10 cups water
• Optional: star anise, fresh ginger, or maple syrup for flavor variations

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

1. Wash apples, core if desired (but not required), and cut into quarters.
2. Place apples and orange slices into a large stockpot or slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Spice and Simmer

1. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
2. Pour in enough water to fully cover the fruit (8–10 cups).
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours, or until apples are very soft and mashable.

Step 3: Mash and Strain

1. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the apples and oranges.
2. Simmer for another 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Carefully strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or clean pot, pressing on solids to extract every drop.

Step 4: Serve Hot or Cold

1. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed with more sugar or maple syrup.
2. Serve hot with cinnamon sticks or chill and store in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Optional: spike with bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey for an adult version.

Flavor Variations

• Add sliced ginger for warmth and zip
• Stir in maple syrup or honey instead of sugar
• Use pear + apple for a softer, more floral blend
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for a cozy twist

Pro Tips

• Don’t peel the apples — the skins add flavor and color
• Use a mix of apples for the best depth of flavor
• Reuse leftover pulp to make apple butter, compote, or muffins
• Freeze in batches for future cozy nights

Final Thoughts

Classic Homemade Apple Cider is pure fall comfort in a mug — aromatic, naturally sweet, and perfect for sipping under a blanket or serving at your next gathering. With spices in the pot and steam in the air, it’s everything you want from the season.

Apples, spice, and everything nice — made the old-fashioned way. 🍎🍂🔥