Homemade Apple Cider
Updated Oct 27, 2025
Homemade apple cider with fresh apples and warm spices. It comes together on the stovetop with 10 minutes or prep and the whole house smell like fall.
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This is the best homemade apple cider recipe!
Every fall, I like to make a big pot of homemade apple cider. It’s one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell like cinnamon and apples… basically, fall in a pot. I just throw everything in apples, lemon, and a few warm spices and let it simmer. Once I strain it, I’ve got homemade apple cider that tastes so much better than anything from the store.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients
- Apples: I use Honeycrisp, but any variety works. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples. The fresher and crisper the better! Read my tips on how to cut an apple. To save time, you can also use a jug of unsweetened apple juice.
- Light brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup works, too.
- Lemon: If you don’t have a lemon, you can also use an orange or a grapefruit.
- Fresh ginger: Here’s how to cut ginger into coins. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger also works.
- Whole cloves: If you don’t have cloves, you can also use a small pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.
- Cinnamon sticks: Ground cinnamon works, too, but use it sparingly.
- Star anise pod: If you’re not a fan of anise, you can just skip it.
How to Make Homemade Apple Cider
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Homemade apple cider made with fresh apples, lemon, and warm spices simmered together for a cozy, naturally sweet fall drink that’s better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 12 apples cleaned, cored and quartered
- 1 lemon cleaned and quartered
- 2 to 3 coins fresh ginger ¼ inch slices
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 whole cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise pod optional
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Place the apples, lemon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), and brown sugar in a large stock pot. Cover with 12 cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour at a gentle simmer, then use a potato masher to break the apples down until they are soft.
- Cook for another hour, then remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the container(s) of your choice.
- Enjoy the cider warm, or let it cool completely and chill it in the fridge to drink it cold.
Equipment
Notes
- My Top Tip: Don’t rush the simmer. A gentle, steady simmer helps the flavors meld together better.
- Storage: Store the fresh apple cider in an airtight container in the fridge for 5–7 days. Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through. Or, reheat in the microwave for about a minute.
- Freezing: Pour the fresh apple cider into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for about 12 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat it straight from the freezer.
Nutrition
Calories: 267kcal, Carbohydrates: 71g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Trans Fat: 0.002g, Sodium: 11mg, Potassium: 449mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 56g, Vitamin A: 203IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
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Recipe Variations
- Add cranberries. Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries while the mixture simmers for a tangy seasonal twist.
- Give it a vanilla twist. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or drop in a whole vanilla bean while the mixture simmers.
- Make sparkling apple cider. Pour equal parts fresh apple cider and club soda into a glass for a fun twist on the classic drink.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t rush the simmer. A gentle, steady simmer helps the flavors meld together better.
- Taste as you go. Halfway through simmering, give the cider a taste and add more sugar or spices as needed. Remember, it’s easier to add than to take away!
- Save the excess apples for applesauce. After straining the mixture, don’t throw away the mashed apples! With a bit of blending and a little more sugar, you can make homemade applesauce.
FAQs
Can I make the apple cider in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it on low, and cook for 3–6 hours. Strain and enjoy.
What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
You make apple cider by cooking down apples with spices. Apple cider has a richer, more robust flavor. Apple juice is usually filtered and pasteurized and has a lighter, clearer taste.
Comments
This is a simple recipe to make. But I was a little confused by all the ingredients! Store cider ingredients say cider, or apples, or apple juice.
My son bought honey crisp cider- amazing! So those were the apples I chose. Expensive! I also had to purchase an apple peeler, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. So not including the apples or brown sugar , I spent around $50! So unless you can borrow these I don’t recommend this so-so cider
So looking forward to making this. As I don’t have the ‘whole’ versions of the spices and lemon can I use ground spices and lemon juice and peel?
I see you use Mason Jars, how long will the cider store in these (sterilised)? I’m used to making my own (pasteurised) apple juice which stores for years in sterilised bottles.
Many thanks.
Hi Deirde, great question! Yes, you can use ground spices, just make sure to strain well. I am not sure on how to preserve the cider. It’s not something I do and I don’t want to give you the wrong information. I hope you enjoy it and you’ll have to let me know what you think when you make it!
Thank you for your reply. I might experiment with a small quantity using a Water Bath Canner, besides keeping some in the fridge.