Description
A comforting Hot Apple Cider made with a blend of fresh apples, oranges, warming spices, and sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar. Perfectly simmered for hours to develop rich flavors, this classic fall and winter beverage is delicious served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Spices
- 10 to 12 medium apples, quartered with peels and seeds (use a mix like Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala)
- 2 large ripe oranges, peeled and quartered
- 4 cinnamon sticks (3-4 inch)
- 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 and Sweeteners
- 1 gallon (16 cups) water
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add ingredients to pot: Place quartered apples, peeled and quartered oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peeled ginger, and any optional spices into a very large stockpot (12-quart recommended, but smaller pot acceptable).
- Add water: Pour in up to 1 gallon of water or enough to leave 1½ to 2 inches of space at the top of the pot when using a smaller pot. You can add remaining water later if needed.
- Simmer: Cover and bring to a rapid simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer covered for 2 to 2½ hours until 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.
- Simmer again: Continue simmering uncovered for an additional 1 hour to concentrate flavors.
- Strain: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and ladle the cider in batches. Press solids to extract liquid, then discard solids.
- Add sweetener: Return the strained cider to the pot. Add any remaining water if full gallon wasn't added earlier. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Adjust to taste: Taste and adjust sweetness by adding 1 tablespoon increments of sweetener if desired. Season with ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, or ground nutmeg in small pinches to enhance flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or chilled as preferred. Explore serving variations as desired.
Notes
- The recipe photos and video show unpeeled oranges, but peeling them reduces bitterness.
- Slow cooker option: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3 hours. Low and slow is preferred.
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze cider in freezer-safe airtight containers, leaving ¾ inch headspace to prevent cracking. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat before serving.
- Use a mix of apples for balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Adjust sweetener based on apple and orange sweetness levels and personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
