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Homemade Apple Cider

Homemade Apple Cider

Enjoy a warm cup of homemade apple cider made with a variety of apples for the best flavor, perfect for fall gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6 cups
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Large Wooden Spoon
  • Potato Masher
  • fine mesh sieve

Ingredients
  

  • 10 medium apples use a variety—I use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
  • 1 whole orange peeled and segmented
  • 4 sticks cinnamon or 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar adjustable to taste
  • water enough to cover the fruit

Instructions
 

  • Peel the orange and place the segments in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Rinse the apples and cut into quarters (discard the cores), and place in the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and sugar. Add just enough water to cover the fruit.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours, or on high heat for 4 hours.
  • After this time, the fruit should be very soft. With tongs or a large slotted spoon, remove the cinnamon sticks. With a large sturdy spoon or a potato masher, mash the fruit. Return the cinnamon sticks to the mixture and cover.
  • Cook on low heat or high heat for 1 more hour.
  • Very slowly strain the chunky liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a large pot or heat-safe pitcher. You can discard the solids. Strain the cider one more time to rid any other solids. Serve the cider warm.
  • Leftover cider keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Warm up on the stove before serving or enjoy it cold.

Notes

Cider can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator. Adjust sugar to your taste. Can be made in a large stock pot or Instant Pot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword Apple Recipes, Cider Recipe, Fall Drink, Homemade Apple Cider, Slow Cooker Recipe, Warm Beverage
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