Homemade Apple Cider
Looking for a delicious and comforting beverage to enjoy this fall season? Look no further than my homemade apple cider recipe! Made with fresh apples and a blend of warm spices, this recipe will fill your home with the enticing aroma of autumn.
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When the crisp breeze of autumn starts rolling in, there's nothing quite like sipping on a warm mug of homemade apple cider. And today, I'm excited to share with you my mouthwatering recipe for this fall favorite.
So, whether you're curled up watching your favorite movies or out enjoying the colorful foliage, this Homemade Apple Cider will be your perfect companion.
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Reasons Why You'll Absolutely Love this Homemade Apple Cider Recipe!
Irresistible Fall Flavor: This cider captures the essence of autumn in every sip. The blend of apples, spices, and a hint of orange creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and invigorating.
Easy & Versatile: This recipe is a breeze to make. You can choose between a slow cooker, stovetop method, or Instant Pot, and the ingredient substitutions and variations make it adaptable to your taste preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a fall-themed gathering, enjoying a cozy movie night, or simply craving a warm drink, this apple cider fits the bill. With 8-10 servings, it's great for sharing or storing for later.
Customizable & Creative: Adjust the sweetness, experiment with different apple varieties, or even add a dash of your favorite spirits for an adult twist.
So, whether you're sipping it by the fireplace or sharing it with friends this Homemade Apple Cider is sure to become a fall favorite that you'll cherish year after year.
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What Are the Best Apples to Use for Homemade Apple Cider?
When it comes to making homemade apple cider, the choice of apples plays a crucial role in determining the flavor profile of your cider. Here are the best apples to use and why they are ideal for this delightful fall beverage:
Ambrosia Apples: Ambrosia apples are a top choice for homemade cider because of their naturally sweet and slightly honey-like flavor. They have a crisp texture and a lovely aroma that enhances the overall taste of the cider. The sweetness of Ambrosia apples provides a great base, allowing you to control the level of additional sugar in the recipe. These apples create a cider that's well-balanced and delicious.
Honeycrisp Apples: Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option for cider-making. They are known for their sweet and tart balance, which adds complexity to the cider's flavor profile. The Honeycrisp apples' natural juiciness contributes to a rich and full-bodied cider. The combination of sweet and tart notes from Honeycrisp apples makes for a cider with depth and character.
These 2 apple varieties work well together because they complement each other's flavors. The Ambrosia apples provide sweetness, while the Honeycrisp apples offer a touch of tartness, resulting in a cider that's both sweet and tangy.
While Ambrosia and Honeycrisp apples are highly recommended, don't hesitate to experiment with other apple varieties if you're feeling adventurous. Different apples will give your cider unique flavor nuances, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste.
Other Apple Varieties to Consider:
Sweet Apples: Varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are excellent choices. They add a natural sweetness to your cider, reducing the need for added sugars.
Tart Apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn provide a nice tartness that can balance out the sweetness.
A Mix of Both: You might want to blend sweet and tart apples to achieve a well-rounded flavor profile. Sweet apples offer a natural sugary base, while tart ones bring complexity and a touch of acidity.
Ultimately, the best apples for homemade apple cider are those that you enjoy eating on their own. When you start with high-quality apples that you love, you're more likely to create a cider that's truly irresistible. So, go ahead and savor the fall season with a batch of homemade cider using these delightful apple varieties! 🍎
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How to Make Homemade Apple Cider
Equipment You'll Need:
Before we dive into this delightful recipe, let's gather our tools:
5-quart or larger slow cooker (or a large stockpot or an Instant Pot)
Cutting board and knife
Ingredients:
10-12 medium apples (I used Ambrosia & Honeycrisp)
1 orange (peeled)
1/4 - 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (depending on the sweetness of your apples)
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla
4 cinnamon sticks
1/16 tsp of salt (a pinch)
Instructions:
Wash, core, and cut apples into wedges, being careful to remove all the seeds. Peel an orange and break into segments. Place the fruits, brown sugar, ground cloves, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Add in enough water to cover the fruit.
If cooking in a Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
If cooking on the Stovetop: Add ingredients to a large stockpot, bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours.
If using an Instant Pot: Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and set the timer to 15 minutes at high pressure. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15-20 minutes.
Remove oranges and cinnamon sticks and mash the apples with a potato masher or spoon. DON’T SKIP THIS STEP: Mashing all of that delicious flavor out of those apples will give your cider an intense apple flavor! Once your apples have been mashed, use a fine mesh strainer to carefully strain the cider. Repeat 2-3 times to get rid of any solids. This cider is best served warm.
Yield & Storage:
This Homemade Apple Cider recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings, making it perfect for a cozy gathering or to enjoy throughout the week.
I store my freshly made cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it stays delicious for up to 7 days.
If you're planning to save some for later, no worries! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy it again.
Substitutions & Variations:
Feel free to get creative with your apple cider:
Apple Varieties: While Ambrosia and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices, you can experiment with other varieties for unique flavors.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. Less sugar for a less sweet cider, or more for a sweeter treat.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra kick of fall flavor.
Alcoholic Twist: For an adult version, consider spiking your cider with a splash of rum or bourbon. Check out this blog post for alcohol pairing ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use bottled apple juice instead of fresh apples?
A: While fresh apples provide the best flavor, you can use bottled apple juice as a time-saving alternative. Just warm it on the stove with the spices.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Use a large stockpot on your stovetop. Follow the same steps, but instead of slow cooking, bring it to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Sure thing! Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and set the timer to 15 minutes at high pressure. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?
A: Yes, you can use ground cinnamon, but the sticks add a more intense and aromatic flavor. If you opt for ground cinnamon, start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I freeze homemade apple cider?
A: Yes! Cider can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
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Tips & Tricks:
Don't worry about peeling the apples; a little peel adds a nice rustic touch to the cider.
Adjust the level of sweetness by gradually adding brown sugar and tasting as you go.
If you prefer a smoother texture, strain with a cheesecloth after mashing the apples.
Get creative with garnishes like a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange when serving.
Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with this homemade apple cider recipe from Chyna B's Sweets. Whether you're cuddled up indoors or exploring the great outdoors, a steaming cup of this cider will warm your heart.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and any personal twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes and updates. And if you found this recipe as delightful as I do, share it on social media to spread the fall vibes with your friends and family.
Cheers to a cozy and flavorful fall season! 🍂🍎🥂
-Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B
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Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, core, and cut apples into wedges, being careful to remove all the seeds. Peel an orange and break into segments.
- Place the fruits, brown sugar, ground cloves, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks into a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Add in enough water to cover the fruit.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. If cooking on the stovetop, add ingredients to a large stockpot, bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours. If using an Instant Pot, Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode and set the timer to 15 minutes at high pressure. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove oranges and cinnamon sticks and mash the apples with a potato masher or spoon. Using a fine mesh strainer, carefully strain the cider 2-3 times to get rid of any solids. Serve warm.
Notes
- Refrigerate for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
- Cider can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Read the entire blog post for more in-depth instructions on creating this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
158.32Fat
0.45 gSat. Fat
0.08 gCarbs
41.63 gFiber
6.82 gNet carbs
34.8 gSugar
31.97 gProtein
0.83 gSodium
22.96 mgCholesterol
0 mgAny nutritional information on chynabsweets.com should only be used as a general guideline as this information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
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