Homemade Apple Cider

4.5
(158)

This homemade apple cider recipe is easy to make without an apple press. Cider may be frozen for longer storage.

27
Homemade apple cider in glass
27
27
27
27

This cozy apple cider recipe tastes incredible — and it'll make your house smell like fall while it's cooking!

apple cider in a white mug with a cinnamon stick garnish in front of red apples

Allrecipes Video

Apple Cider Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make the best homemade apple cider of your life:

  • Apples: Of course, you'll need apples for homemade apple cider!
  • Water: Use just enough water to cover the quartered apples.
  • Sugar: Sweeten things up with ¾ cup white sugar.
  • Spices: This homemade apple cider is spiced with cinnamon and allspice.

Best Apples for Cider

The best apple variety for cider depends on your taste preferences. If you like sweet cider, opt for a sweeter type like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, try something like McIntosh or Pink Lady. Still not sure what you're looking for? You can get the best of both worlds by using a blend of sweet and tart apple varieties.

How to Make Apple Cider

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this flavorful apple cider:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a stockpot.
2. Boil for one hour, then simmer for two hours.
3. Strain the mixture at least twice.

Homemade Apple Cider LaDonna Langwell 4x3

Nicole's Top Apple Cider Tricks

When given the choice between apple cider and hot chocolate, culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) says she'll choose apple cider every time. Here are a few of her favorite tips and tricks for making the cozy drink:

  • Don't worry about removing the apple cores, as all the solid bits will be strained out at the end. You also shouldn't peel the apples. That skin will add color and flavor to the homemade apple cider, according to Nicole.
  • Make sure to press the cooked apples with the ladle while you're straining them to get out every last bit of juice.
  • You can strain the apple cider into a pitcher to serve cold or into another pot if you want to serve it hot.

How to Store Apple Cider

Store the leftover apple cider in a tightly covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can either can the cider or freeze it.

Homemade apple cider in glass

Tammy Lynn

How to Freeze Apple Cider

Pour the cooled apple cider into freezer-safe containers in serving-size portions. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the liquid will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to one year.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I put all the ingredients into a Crock-Pot," says Lyssa Julia. "Set it to low and it cooked for 12 hours while I was at work. Came home and the whole place smelled like fall. I served it with bourbon. Highly recommend that last step."

"Fantastic recipe," raves Keri Clearwater. "Huge hit with my family and delicious hot or cold! I used enough apples to make a gallon and it barely lasted a day."

"Good recipe, but you are SERIOUSLY missing out if you don't save the excess apple for apple sauce," according to James Brako-McComb. "Just stick it in a blender and add a few teaspoons of sugar to taste and you're done!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Homemade Apple Cider

(158)
Homemade apple cider in glass
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 gallon

Ingredients

  • 10 large apples, quartered

  • water, to cover

  • ¾ cup white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice

Directions

  1. Place apples in a large stockpot; cover with water by at least 2 inches. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 2 hours.

  2. Strain apple mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids. Drain cider again through a cheesecloth-lined sieve.

  3. Serve warm or refrigerate cider until cold.

    Homemade Apple Cider
    LaDonna Langwell

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

83 Calories
0g Fat
22g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 83
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 0g 1%
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 98mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love