As the cool weather settles in, my need for a warm beverage increases immensely. Here's one of my old-time favorites - Homemade Apple Cider! Cozy, lightly spiced, the perfect drink for the family and for entertaining!
I remember tasting my first apple cider in a quaint little store in Ann Arbor. I walked in to buy candles, and there they had a huge pot of warm cider with a ladle. You could serve yourself in little cups as you browsed through the store. I can assure you - I mostly stayed by the pot! I was hooked from that day onwards. It was easy to buy a gallon of apple cider from a store in the US. But since I didn't see much of this drink here, I decided to make my own.
What is Apple Cider
Apple cider is essentially unfiltered, the unsweetened, non-pasteurized liquid extracted from apples. It's a seasonal nonalcoholic drink, usually made in autumn and winter. This is not to be confused with the fermented, alcoholic version called cider or hard cider.
How to make Apple Cider
Making apple cider is a labor of love. It does take time, but it hardly requires any supervision. All you need to do is slice the apples and oranges ( for extra flavor) and dump everything in a pot along with some spices. From here on, simply let your stove top, crock pot, or instant pot do their job.
Now while the apples and spices are brewing, the whole house is filled with the loveliest of aromas. Better than any potpourri. You immediately get warm and comforting vibes.
It's so relaxing and cozy. I guarantee you'll want to drop everything you're doing and just sit and feel the moment!
Final Touches
You can serve it warm or cold...I prefer warm. And yes, it works fabulously well as base for a cocktail too. A splash of rum or bourbon is fantastic here. Or use this to make a lovely nonalcoholic punch.
I hope this delicious Homemade Apple Cider makes it to your table this season and you all enjoy it as much as we do.
More Easy Holiday Season Beverage Recipes
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Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 5 Apples, assorted variety
- 1 Orange
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 whole Cloves
- 1 Vanilla bean, split lengthways.
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar
- 1.5 ltr Water
Instructions
- Slice the apples, remove the seeds. Slice the orange, remove the seeds.
- Add the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and cloves to a large stockpot.
- Add the water. Cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours on medium low heat.
- Use a potato masher to mash all the fruits well. Cover and cook for another hour.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture. Discard the pulp.
- Add the brown sugar to sweeten the cider. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!
Notes
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