HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER
One of the biggest things about fall is homemade cider. Not only is it super easy, but it’s also the perfect way to use up all those extra apples you planned to bake into an apple pie after the apple harvest. Warm, full of spice and just the right amount of sweet, it’s the perfect drink to have as a second drink when you’re hosting guests your home will smell like autumn.
A few tips to get you started: use the biggest pot you have or split the ingredients into two pots to keep your cider from boiling over. And while it may seem weird to break up the apples after they’ve been cooking for 2 hours, this step is very important because it helps you get the most out of the apple flavor. Use a potato masher if you have one, or a large wooden spoon is best.
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER
So here’s the thing about cider, you can make as big or as little a batch as you like. And then store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. But if you want, you can also make quarter batches in a small saucepan. But feel free to use whatever variety (or mix of varieties) you like best.
Oranges: Fresh oranges are essential to give cider its characteristic citrus flavor. This means that if you want to reduce the acidity of this must, you can peel the oranges before adding them to the must.
Sweetener: Almost any kind of sweetener will work here. And of course add as much as you want.
Warming spices: Add cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the cider, plus maybe whole allspice, nutmeg, and/or fresh ginger if I happen to have it on hand. But if you only have dried powdered spices, that will work too.
- Apples: Of course you’ll need apples to make homemade cider
- Water: Use just enough water to cover the sliced ​​apples.
- Spices: This homemade cider is spiced with cinnamon and allspice.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLE CIDER
Mix the ingredients in a saucepan. Add the apples, oranges* and spices to a large pot. Then fill with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the container.
- Cook. Heat the apple cider over high heat until boiling. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 2 hours, or until the apples are tender.
- Mash the apples and oranges. Using a potato masher or wooden spoon, mash all the apples and oranges against the side of the pot for a minute to release more of their flavors. Then cover and let the cider infuse for a while longer.
- Strain. Then use a fine sieve or tea towel to strain out any solids (apples, oranges, spices) and press them against the sieve to release all the juice. Then discard the dry matter (or save it for a smoothie or other use).
- Sweeten. Then mix in the desired amount of sweetener to taste.
- Serve warm. And then your cider is ready to use! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back into the stock pot for a nice serving.
