Easy Spiced Apple Cider That Actually Tastes Like Apples
This homemade spiced apple cider is made from fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and warming spices. It's naturally sweet, deeply flavorful, and fills your home with the most incredible autumn aroma. Way better than anything store-bought.
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples about 3 pounds, mixed varieties
- 8 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg lightly cracked
- 1 orange quartered
- 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup or honey optional, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the apples, leaving cores, seeds, and peels intact. Place them in a large 6-quart pot or Dutch oven.
- Add water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cracked nutmeg, and orange quarters to the pot. Make sure apples are fully submerged, adding more water if needed.
- Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat. Cover partially and simmer for 1 hour until apples are completely softened and liquid is amber-colored.
- Use a potato masher to thoroughly mash the softened apples in the pot. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing solids with a spoon to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- Taste the warm cider and stir in maple syrup or honey if desired. Serve hot, or let cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Notes
Apple Variety Tips: Mix sweet apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji) with tart apples (Granny Smith, McIntosh) for the most balanced, complex flavor. Using only one variety works but may require extra sweetener or lemon juice for balance.
Spice Substitutions: If you don't have whole spices, use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ΒΌ teaspoon ground cloves. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent bitterness.
Storage Instructions: Refrigerate in airtight glass jars for up to 5 days. Freeze in freezer-safe containers (leave 1 inch headspace) for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop over low heat until steaming.