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How to Make Hot Apple Cider from Scratch

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
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • fine strainer
  • slotted spoon

Ingredients
  

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)

Instructions
 

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.

Crock Pot Method

  • Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

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.

Nutrition

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
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!