There’s something magical about making homemade apple cider, especially when the whole house fills with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and apples. The experience of creating something so comforting and nostalgic from scratch just makes the cider taste better.
Larissa and I recently started a tradition to brew up a pot of cider every late fall/ early winter (because it takes a while for the temps to cool down here in South Texas), and every time we do, it brings back memories of crisp autumn days and family gatherings.
This recipe is one of our favorites because it’s incredibly easy to make, yet the flavors are deep and customizable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process and share some tips to make the experience even more special. Grab your apples, gather your spices, and let’s get started on crafting a cider that will warm your heart and soul.
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Step 1: Choose the Perfect Apples for Your Cider
When it comes to making homemade apple cider, the type of apples you use is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. A combination of sweet apples, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, and tart apples, like Granny Smith or Winesap, gives the cider a rich depth of flavor.
Fresh apples, especially those picked during an annual apple-picking trip, are ideal for this recipe. Don’t worry if you have a few bruised apples—they’ll still add their natural flavor to the cider.
Larissa and I love experimenting with different types of apples to see how they affect the cider’s tart flavor (which she loves) and overall profile. For more on picking the best apples, check out our guide, The Best Apples for Homemade Apple Cider.
Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients for Homemade Apple Cider
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best, such as Fuji and Granny Smith). These apples for cider will provide a combination of apple flavors that’s key for the recipe.
- 1 orange, unpeeled, for a citrus flavor twist.
- 1 cinnamon stick and 4 whole cloves for a touch of warm, autumn spice mixture.
- 3–4 cups water, just enough to cover the fruit. If you want a milder cider, feel free to add extra water.
Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. There’s no need to peel or core the apples; the skins and seeds will add natural flavor. This step not only saves time (Prep Time: about 10 minutes) but also reduces waste.
Step 3: Cook the Cider
In a large Dutch oven on the stove, combine the apples, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Add 10–12 cups water to cover the ingredients by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 1–2 hours. This slow cooking allows the apple mixture to develop a deep, delicious apple cider flavor.
Larissa insists on using our trusty slow cooker apple cider method. The longer cooking time—6–8 hours on low—helps bring out the rich fall spices and enhances the warm apple cider aroma in our kitchen.
Step 4: Mash the Apples
After two hours on the stove, the apples will be soft and tender. Using a potato masher, gently mash the cooked apples and orange. Larissa loves this part—she calls it “unlocking the magic.” Continue simmering the chunky apple mixture for an additional 30 minutes to infuse extra flavor. Add water if necessary to keep the mixture from burning on the bottom.
Step 5: Strain the Cider
To strain the mixture, use a fine-mesh strainer, a cheesecloth-lined strainer, or a metal sieve set over a large glass bowl or pitcher. Slowly pour the mixture into the strainer or sieve, pressing the solids with the back of a spoon to extract every drop of fresh apple cider. Don’t toss the leftover apple solids—they can be used to make homemade applesauce or as a topping for oatmeal.
Step 6: Sweeten and Store the Cider
Taste your cider and decide if it needs additional sweetness. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, or even maple syrup, depending on your preference. For those on a restrictive diet, a touch of coconut sugar can work wonders. Store any leftover cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in glass freezer-safe containers for up to 4–6 months.
If you’re looking for another warm and cozy winter beverage, check out our Hot Lemonade Recipe.
Want to know which apples are best for juicing? Check out our article The Best Apples For Juicing That Deliver AMAZING Flavor!
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best, like Fuji and Granny Smith
- 1 orange optional, for a citrusy twist
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 3-4 cups of water enough to just cover the apples
- 1/3 cup sugar adjust to taste, optional
Instructions
Prep the Apples and Orange
- Wash the apples and orange thoroughly.
- Quarter the apples (no need to peel or core them).
- Slice the orange if using (leave the peel on).
Cook the Ingredients
- Place the apples, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves into a large pot.
- Add enough water to cover the fruit by about 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Mash the Fruit
- Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the fruit into a chunky consistency.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Strain the Mixture
- Place a fine-mesh strainer or large-hole strainer or sieve lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher.
- Carefully pour the mixture through the strainer, pressing the pulp to extract as much juice as possible.
Sweeten to Taste
- Taste the cider and stir in sugar if desired. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
