Apple cider is the quintessential drink for fall, offering a warm, comforting experience with every sip. This fragrant, spiced beverage evokes images of cozy afternoons, falling leaves, and crisp autumn air. Whether served hot or cold, apple cider is a refreshing treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It’s a drink that not only satisfies your taste buds but also creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia with its sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
The magic of apple cider lies in its simplicity. Freshly pressed apple juice, with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, creates a beverage that is both sweet and aromatic. For a warm version, the cider is gently heated, allowing the spices to infuse and create a soothing, spiced drink. The rich flavors of apple and spice are perfect for sipping as the weather cools, making it an ideal companion for chilly days, holiday celebrations, or family gatherings.
If you prefer a chilled version, apple cider can be served over ice, offering a refreshing and slightly tart option for those warm autumn days. You can even make it into a festive cocktail by adding a splash of rum or bourbon, transforming it into a spiked treat for adult gatherings. For those who enjoy a bit of extra sweetness, a drizzle of honey or a slice of orange can be added to enhance the flavor and balance the natural tartness of the apples.
This cider is also a versatile base for other recipes, from apple cider donuts to marinades for meats. The possibilities are endless, but nothing quite beats enjoying a steaming mug on a crisp fall day, watching the leaves turn colors, and the world slow down for a moment. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it at a gathering, apple cider is the drink that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.
Ingredients
- 10 apples medium, quartered, any variety
- 1 orange whole, quartered
- 5 sticks cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cloves whole
- 1 star anise whole, optional
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or to taste
- 16 cups water
Instructions
- Place apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large pot. Add the water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, or until the apples are soft.
- Mash the mixture using a potato masher or wooden spoon to release the flavors.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot, discarding solids.
- Add brown sugar to the strained cider and stir to dissolve. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, then serve hot.
Nutrition
This is the best apple cider I’ve ever made! So much flavor! 😍
I tried this recipe last week and agree! It turned out so delicious! I didn’t even think it would be this good! 😄
Sounds good, but do you think 5 sticks of cinnamon is too much? Seems like it could be overwhelming. 😕
Hot cider is best on a rainy day. Try it out!
Totally agree! Rainy days and hot cider are a match made in heaven. ☔️
This was so easy to make! My family loved it. Perfect for fall.
Perfect for the fall! Smells amazing while it’s cooking.
Absolutely love this recipe! The cider turned out so delicious and fragrant. Perfect for fall! 🍏🍂
Thank you! It’s really nice to hear you enjoyed it! Fall flavors are the best! 🍁
I wonder how it would taste with ginger instead of cloves? Anyone tried that?
I think ginger would be great! It might give it a nice spicy kick. I’ve done that before with other recipes and loved it!
Can you use other fruits? I only have pears. Do they work the same way?
Not even gonna bother. I can’t boil water without making a mess.
The star anise really made it special! 🌟 I never would’ve thought!
I tried this recipe, but it turned out way too sweet for my taste.
I get that! Maybe try reducing the sugar next time? You can always add a little honey if you want some sweetness.
Apple cider? What’s this, I don’t even drink apple juice. Will it taste like that?
One of the best homemade drinks I’ve made! My family couldn’t get enough of it. The orange really adds a nice twist.
I’m glad to hear that! The orange really does make it special. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Really easy to follow and delicious! Made it for my family and they loved it!
Love this! I didn’t have oranges so I used lemon. Still good!
This was so yummy! Perfect for fall! 🍏🍂
Eww, this is way too sweet. 1/2 cup of sugar is insane! 😩
I dunno, I tried it but mine turned out kinda sour. Maybe I used too many apples?
Yuck! This was not what I was expecting. I thought it would taste more like store-bought cider. Won’t be making again.
I don’t know, it was kinda bland for me. Maybe I should’ve added more sugar or something 🤷♂️.
Isn’t 16 cups of water too much? I don’t know, just seems like too much water for it.
I thought so too at first, but it really helps to get all the flavors out. Trust the process!
I used white sugar instead and it was fine. Good recipe.
How can it take 2 hours? Isn’t that too long? Can’t we speed it up?
2 hours is what it takes to get all the flavors out of the apples and spices! Trust me, it’s worth it.
Seems like a long time for just juice though. Can’t you just blend it for quicker results?
My grandma made this every year! Bringing back memories.
I used white sugar instead of brown and it still came out great! Love the spices in this, yum!
Glad to hear it turned out well! I usually stick to brown sugar, but I’ll give it a try with white next time!
Really? I thought it had to be brown sugar for that rich flavor. But if it tasted good, who am I to argue?
This apple cider recipe is AMAZING! It tastes just like fall in a cup. 🍏🍂
Cinnamon sticks are for decoration, right? I just used powder.
Cinnamon sticks bring more flavor though! You might be missing out by just using the powder.
Yeah, I guess cinnamon sticks do kinda look nice but the powder works just fine! I do that too.
Can you use other fruits instead of apples? I got an idea to try with pears but not sure if it works…
SImple ingredients but i forgot the star anise – i think it still tastes good tho!
How can you forget such an important ingredient? Star anise has a unique flavor! Hope it still tasted nice.
I’m glad it turned out good even without the star anise! I usually skip it too, and it still tastes amazing.
Just two words: YUMMYYYYY!!!
Isn’t it kinda weird to put an orange in cider? Seems off. 🤔
This is gonna work! Happy fall y’all! 🍁🍏
Too complicated! Can’t believe it takes 2 hours just to make cider. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
This is the best cider I’ve ever tasted. Didn’t even need the star anise. Highly recommend!
I just don’t get why people like this. It’s just hot fruit juice.. meh.
Can I use a different fruit? My oranges are bad. 😅
I don’t think you should. The orange is important for flavor! Maybe just go buy new oranges?
Yeah, you can use like any fruit! Maybe try some lemons or even some berries? Just experiment!
I tried making it but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Should have used less brown sugar.
Too sweet? Really? I mean, it’s cider, isn’t it supposed to be a bit sweet? Maybe try a different variety of apples next time.
I think if you reduce the sugar next time, it’ll be perfect! It’s all about personal taste. 🍏
Yum! Made it for a party and everyone loved it!! Definitely making again.
Cinnamon sticks are a little too much in this. I like them like one or two only.
Is it supposed to take 2 hours? That’s a lot of wait.
Best cider I’ve ever made! I added some ginger too.
I don’t know about those cloves… didn’t taste right to me. 🤔
I’m not a chef but this was easy enough, good warm drink for the holidays! 😊