How to Make Hot Apple Cider from Scratch: The Best Cozy Recipe
Learn how to make hot apple cider from scratch with this cozy recipe perfect for the holidays.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 150 kcal
large pot
fine strainer
slotted spoon
Fruits
- 10–12 pieces sweet apples a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji or whatever you have on hand
- 1 whole orange quartered, peel on
- 1 whole optional lemon peel or lemon zest for a hint of citrus flavor
Spices
- 3–4 sticks cinnamon sticks or more to place in mugs before serving
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries or 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1–2 pieces star anise optional
Liquid and Sweetener
- 8 cups hot water or enough to cover fruit by 2 inches
- ½ cup brown sugar or sweeten to taste (maple syrup is a great swap)
Preparation
Roughly chop the apples and slices of orange—no need to peel or core. Just remove any stickers and rinse. Add apples, citrus, mulling spices, brown sugar, and water to a large pot or medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours.
Mash the softened fruit with a slotted spoon or potato masher to release the juices. Simmer another 30–45 minutes.
Carefully strain through a fine strainer or coffee filter into a clean bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids.
Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when ready.
Optional Additions
Want to spike it? Add a little rum or bourbon to make this a hard cider before serving.
Make a large batch and freeze for later or jar it up for gifting!
Great for holiday tables or post-apple orchard outings.
Serving: 1cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple cider recipe, cozy beverage, fall recipe, holiday drink, homemade cider, hot apple cider