Homemade Apple Cider
Sweet, tart, and a little spicy, this Homemade Apple Cider was so easy to make and so delicious. It is free from refined sugars, sweetened with maple syrup, and the perfect way to kick off the fall season!
Not only is apple cider the perfect drink for the fall, but it is also great to add to fall recipes! It is one of my favorite ways to change up the traditional recipes we use all year.
And the best part of making your own cider is that you can control the taste. You have full control over the spices and everything that goes in it. It is free from preservatives and refined sugar, making it a really healthy fall drink.
We are using a few simple ingredients, but still achieving that nostalgic, warming apple cider that we all know and love. Give it a try and be sure to check out all of our apple recipes here! Let us know what you think in the comments!
Details & Tips
The homemade apple cider is going to have the traditional spices that give that warming, cider taste. The type of apples you use are going to change the overall flavor, slightly, as well. I have made this with all types of apples, and you honestly cannot go wrong. Just be aware that the sweeter apples, like the Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fiji apples are going to give the cider a sweeter note. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Jonathan apples will give the cider a tart note.
The cider is sweetened with maple syrup, making it free of refined sugars. The maple syrup will also lend a nice maple flavor that goes so well with the apples and spices. If you are using a sweeter apple, you can start with a little less maple syrup. If using a tart apple, you can start with a little more maple syrup. Taste as you go and make it the correct sweetness for you.
My technique for making this cider is with an instant pot. Now, of course, you can use a crockpot or even make it in a pot on the stove. At a simmer, this will cook for about 8 hours. Adjust your time and do what works for you! No matter how you make it, your house will smell so good while the cider cooks.
Customize
Pick your favorite apples or whatever you have on hand and use those. You can even do a variety, just use what you have!
Cut back the all spice if you want this to be a little less spiced. As you add the spices, smell the mixture and get it to where you want it.
Storing the Apple Cider
When I make this cider, I make it in a big batch, as it is written. Once the cider has cooled, I like to pour it into glass jars for storage. This will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.
While you can cut the recipe in half, this cider stays good in the freezer for a few months. I pour it into wide mouth glass jars, filling to ¼ inch below the curve at the top of the jar. When the cider freezes, it will expand. To avoid the jar cracking, fill below that top curve, where the sides are still straight. So, make the big batch and freeze it so you can have some on hand for recipes or to drink!
Ingredients
Instructions
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