Homemade Apple Cider
Apple cider is the quintessential autumn beverage, combining the sweet and tangy essence of fresh apples with warm spices to create a cozy elixir. This homemade apple cider recipe is perfect for family gatherings, chilly evenings, or simply enjoying a moment of comfort. With its delightful aroma and vibrant flavors, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 fresh apples (mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 10 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the apples without peeling.
- In a large pot, combine apple quarters, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to simmer for at least 2 hours.
- Mash the apples with a potato masher to release more juice.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another container.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if desired before serving hot or chilled over ice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg