Description

Homemade Apple Cider is the perfect fall beverage that fills your home with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh apples and spices. This cozy drink combines sweet and tart flavors, making it a delightful companion for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare, this homemade cider will surely impress your friends and family as you reminisce about autumn memories together.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups fresh apples (mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
3 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
8 cups filtered water
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Rinse, core, and quarter the apples—no need to peel.
In a large pot, combine apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, brown sugar, lemon juice, and enough water to cover by two inches.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1-2 hours until apples are soft.
Mash the apple mixture with a potato masher to release juices.
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to separate solids from liquids.
Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired. Serve warm in mugs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Experiment with adding other fruits like pears for additional flavor. Store cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week; reheat gently before serving.