Homemade Apple Cider (Quick Recipe)

Apple cider is the perfect fall drink to keep you warm and enjoy the fruit harvest! Whole apples and delicious spices are the perfect autumn combination.

Slow cooker apple cider recipes are a necessary staple every year as the weather gets colder. Homemade cider is made with ground spices, cooked apples, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks. It’s a great drink for sitting by the fire or walking around town with the falling yellow leaves. Apple picking with the family is the best way to gather apples for this recipe.

Even if you don’t have apples, this recipe is perfect for people who like to cook quickly. If you don’t have the time to juice your own apples, unsweetened apple juice or cider makes a great base to this spice mix.

Raw apple juice is perfect for it. Apples are rich in health benefits whether you juice your own or not. They support gut, lung, and heart health with fiber and antioxidants. They’re the whole package this fall season!

Key Ingredients

Cinnamon sticks– For the main flavor profile of this cider, you will need two cinnamon sticks. You can add couple more if you’d like when you serve the hot cider.

Black peppercorns– Black peppercorns add a tasty spiciness that makes fresh apples and whole spices complement each other.

Whole cloves- Cloves are subtly sweet and are the spice that makes your house smell amazing. They are the perfect way to add richness and a mild bitterness to the cider.

Ground nutmeg- Nutmeg is warm and nutty, commonly used in apple pie for a touch of fall flavor. It’s a great spice for both sweet and savory dishes! In this warm cider, it is the perfect spice addition.

Star anise- Star anise is similar to licorice and is very sweet. The flavor can remind you of both cloves and cinnamon, but is subtly unique. It’s another spice that looks amazing on top of the hot cider!

Ground ginger- Ginger adds extra flavor to this traditional apple cider. Ginger is warm and peppery.

Apple juice or cider– In this recipe, you don’t have to make the apple juice or cider base yourself. You can purchase unsweetened apple juice at the store. If you prefer to juice the apples yourself, be sure to get enough apples for the amount you want.

Any variety of apples work for this recipe, including pink lady or granny smith apples. To simplify, use a juicer to extract juice from the apples, remove the pulp, and then cook the cider with spices.

Orange– The orange in apple cider adds a tang and sweetness that is the perfect “cherry on top” so to say. It also makes your home smell like the flavors of fall.

Maple syrup- Add maple syrup to this cider to sweeten up the drink. It’s a great way to avoid added sugars (like brown sugar) and still have a sweet taste.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Expert Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Adjust the sweetness of the cider by varying the amount of maple syrup added. Taste and modify according to your preference.
• If you have leftover cider, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving.
• Feel free to serve the apple cider with additional cinnamon sticks and orange slices for flavor in each cup.

Recipe FAQs

Enjoy more autumn recipes from the blog:

• Simple and Easy Bean Salad is tasty and loaded with fiber!
• One Pot Healthy Soup with Lamb and Herbs perfectly complements the cold weather with its comfort food flavors!

Other recipes to make with apples:

If you tried this Homemade Apple Cider or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!