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.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
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.
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
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