Description
This Hot Apple Cider Recipe is a fragrant, comforting drink perfect for chilly days and festive occasions. Made with a blend of fresh apples, peeled oranges, warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, and sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, this cider simmers slowly to develop rich flavors. Enjoy it warm or chilled for a cozy beverage experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 10 to 12 medium apples, quartered with peels and seeds (mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala)
- 2 ripe large oranges, peeled and quartered
Spices
- 4 (3-4 inch) cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 whole nutmeg or ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries (optional)
- 5 whole black peppercorns (optional)
Liquids & Sweeteners
- 1 gallon (16 cups) water
- ½ cup pure maple syrup or packed brown sugar (can use half and half)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add ingredients to pot: Place quartered apples, peeled quartered oranges, cinnamon sticks, peeled ginger, whole cloves, and any optional spices into a very large stockpot (12 quarts ideal, smaller pot acceptable).
- Add water: Add the full gallon of water if the pot fits, or fill the pot leaving 1 ½ to 2 inches of space at the top for simmering; additional water will be added later if needed.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and bring the water to a rapid simmer over high heat. Once simmering, reduce to low heat and simmer covered for 2 to 2 ½ hours until the fruit is very soft.
- Mash: Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened fruit against the side of the pot to release juices and flavors fully.
- Simmer again: Continue simmering uncovered for 1 additional hour to intensify the cider.
- Strain: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, ladle the cider in batches, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids afterward.
- Add sweetener: Return strained cider to the empty pot. Add any remaining water if the full gallon was not added initially. Stir in maple syrup and/or brown sugar along with vanilla extract.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the cider and add additional sweetener one tablespoon at a time according to preference. Optionally, season with ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, or nutmeg by adding a pinch at a time to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the hot apple cider warm or chilled. Serve as desired with cinnamon sticks or garnishes.
Notes
- Remember to peel the oranges to reduce bitterness, even though photos may show unpeeled oranges.
- Slow cooker option: Place all ingredients in a large slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3 hours; low and slow is best.
- Storage: Refrigerate cider in airtight glass containers for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe airtight containers with ¾-inch headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid freezer jar cracking by leaving space.
- Variations: Experiment with different serving ideas and additional spices as preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
