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The Best Homemade Apple Cider Recipe for a Cozy Fall Day

This comprehensive homemade apple cider recipe delivers authentic fall flavors that surpass any store-bought alternative. The careful balance of sweet and tart apples, warming spices, and citrus brightness creates a memorable beverage experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8-10 medium apples (mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala)
  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 4 whole allspice berries
  • 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method
 

  1. Wash apples thoroughly under cold running water. Core and quarter each apple, leaving the skin intact.
  2. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries in a piece of cheesecloth and tie securely to create a spice sachet.
  3. Add quartered apples, filtered water, and spice bundle to a large heavy-bottomed pot.
  4. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and maintain a steady simmer for 60 minutes.
  5. Using a potato masher, gently crush the softened apples against the pot sides. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean pot. Discard pulp and spice bundle.
  7. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

Notes

Choose organic apples for the cleanest flavor profile. Store finished cider in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freeze cider in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.