Apple Cider Easy Homemade Recipe Wellplated Com

If you’re wondering if apple cider is worth it to make from scratch, the answer is YES. I had never tried making apple cider myself prior to this year (after all, isn’t that what the jugs are for??), and I was delighted. Not only is apple cider easy to make from scratch (truly!), but its fresh, pure taste is one to savor. Sure, I expected homemade cider to taste better than the grocery store stuff (just like homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter and Crockpot Applesauce), but WOW. This homemade cider exceeded my expectation, both in the intensity of its apple flavor, and the fact that it was not overly sweet.

Store-bought apple cider is usually full of added sugars.The heating processes it goes through can suppress the flavor of the apples.When you make homemade apple cider, you don’t lose a speck of its appley-ness.Making cider yourself means you control the sweetness. You can use a natural sweetener (like pure maple syrup) and only add as much as you need.

You’ll love the scent of your kitchen while it simmers too—Bath and Body Works, please bottle this up for me.

How to Make Homemade Apple Cider

This from-scratch cider cooks largely hands-free, and you can serve it warm or cold.

Early in the fall when it’s still warm, I love serving this homemade apple cider cold from the refrigerator with a splash of ginger ale. It’s spot-on for the season but still refreshing (as is this Apple Cider Cocktail).Later this season, I’m looking forward to sipping hot mugs of it…both with and without a warming splash of bourbon or rum.

The below recipe is for a non-alcoholic apple cider. If you’d like to make an apple cider drink, simply stir in two tablespoons of your base liquor of choice (whiskey, rum, bourbon, and brandy will all pair well). Or, use it to top off a glass of bubbly for an Apple Cider Mimosa (the perfect drink for Thanksgiving and Christmas).

The Ingredients

Apple. The star of the show! Thanks to their juiciness and sweetness, apples provide both liquid and flavor for the cider. Apples also have numerous health benefits, like oodles of fiber and vitamins. Feel free to use a variety of apples you enjoy. The sweeter the apples, the less sweetener you will need to add later.Oranges. Oranges add a sweet, citrus flavor that acts as a perfect complement to the apples and spices. Cinnamon Sticks. Impart the delicious, warm, and cozy flavor of cinnamon into your delicious homemade apple cider recipe. Cloves. Lightly sweet and warm, cloves are the perfect pairing with cinnamon. Optional Spices. For an extra layer of spice, you can add some nutmeg, star anise, allspice berries, and/or whole black peppercorns to your cider. Maple Syrup. Naturally sweetens the cider with a rich, caramel-like flavor. Add as much or as little as you like.

Vanilla. Elevates all the flavors and wraps them in a big cozy hug.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate cider in an airtight storage container (a glass carafe or jar works well) or covered pitcher for up to 1 week. To Reheat. Very gently rewarm the cider in a pot on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe bottle or jar for up to 3 months. Place the frozen cider container in a bowl (to catch any runoff), then let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Large Stockpot. This large stockpot is ideal for making homemade cider. Strainer. A mesh strainer like this one is ideal for straining the cider. Carafe. This beautiful carafe is ideal for storing your cider in the refrigerator.

What’s on your apple agenda this year? Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. I think it would taste even better with a glass of apple cider, don’t you?!