As the cooler months of the year arrive, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cozy, warm apple cider. If you’re ready to ditch the store-bought apple cider, this easy homemade apple cider recipe is perfect for you! With a blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples, whole spices, and the fragrant orange peel, it’s a great way to make your home smell amazing. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple—just grab a large pot, a variety of apples and some spices and you’re good to go.

Jump to Recipe

**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

Ingredients for Apple Cider

10-12 medium apples (a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Pink Lady or Gala)
2 oranges, sliced (peel on)
1 cup cane sugar
4 whole cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon allspice berries
1 whole nutmeg (optional)
8 cups of water (or enough water to cover the fruit)

How to Make Apple Cider

Prepare the Apples and Oranges

Before you begin, give all of your fresh apples and oranges a good rinse. You don’t need to peel or core the apples for this recipe, which makes it even easier. Simply cut the apples into quarters and slice the oranges into rounds, leaving the peel on. The orange peel will add a nice citrusy undertone that complements the apples and spices, almost like an apple pie.

Tip:
You can use any combination of apples. A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples such as Pink Lady, Gala, or Red Delicious will give the cider a balanced flavor. If you prefer sweeter cider, lean more towards the sweet varieties of apples, and if you like it more tart, go heavier on the Granny Smith.

Combine Ingredients in a Large Stockpot

Grab a large stockpot or dutch oven, at least 6 to 8 quarts in size, to give the apples plenty of space to cook down. Add your apple and orange slices to the pot, then toss in 4 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, 1 teaspoon of allspice berries, and 1 whole nutmeg (if using). These warm spices will fill your house with an amazing aroma that’s perfect for the holiday season. Finally, add 1 cup of cane sugar for sweetness. If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or even honey instead.

Tip:
Whole spices are key here. Ground spices can sometimes make the cider cloudy, whereas whole spices will give you a clearer, more polished drink.

Add Enough Water to Cover the Fruit

Pour in 8 cups of cold water, or more if necessary, to ensure the fruit is completely submerged. The apples and oranges need to be fully covered to release their juices as they cook. If you have a lot of fruit in your pot, you may need to add a few extra cups of water. It’s important that there’s enough liquid to extract all the flavors.

Bring to a Boil on High Heat

Place the stockpot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This part of the process allows the apples to start breaking down and the spices to release their aromas. Keep an eye on the pot so it doesn’t boil over.

Reduce to Low Heat and Simmer

Once your mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally with a large wooden spoon to ensure the fruit doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.

Tip:
Simmering the cider on low heat is what allows the flavors to meld together, so take your time with this step. The longer you let it simmer, the richer your cider will be. This is where all the magic happens—the apples break down, the spices infuse the liquid, and you’re left with a perfectly fragrant cider.

Mash the Fruit with a Potato Masher

After simmering for 2 hours, it’s time to mash the softened fruit. Using a potato masher, gently press down on the apples and oranges to release even more juice and flavor into the cider. This step helps intensify the apple flavor and make the cider rich and flavorful.

Tip:
Be careful not to mash too hard, as the peels can break apart. You just want to press down enough to get more juice out of the fruit.

Simmer for Another 30-45 Minutes

After mashing the fruit, continue simmering the cider for another 30 to 45 minutes on low heat. This extra time allows the cider to become even more flavorful as the juices and spices further blend together.

Strain the Cider

Once the cider has simmered and all the flavors are well combined, it’s time to strain it. Set a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl and carefully ladle or pour the mixture into the strainer. Use the back of a large wooden spoon to press down on the fruit solids, extracting as much liquid as possible. This will leave you with a smooth, clear cider that’s ready to drink.

Tip:
If you prefer a more rustic cider with bits of pulp, you can use a less fine strainer. If you want it completely smooth, be sure to use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Sweeten and Adjust to Taste

At this point, taste your cider and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you’d like it a bit sweeter, you can stir in a little maple syrup or extra cane sugar. If you want a more pronounced apple flavor, you can add a splash of apple juice. This step is optional and one I tend to skip. I’ve molded this recipe to my liking so feel free to play around with it and make it yours.

Serve or Store

Now your cider is ready to serve! You can enjoy it hot for a cozy winter drink, or let it cool down to room temperature and serve it chilled for a refreshing cold apple cider. Garnish with apple slices or an extra cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

Variations and Tips

Sweeteners

If cane sugar isn’t your thing, you can substitute maple syrup or even honey for a slightly different flavor.

Leftover apple cider

Leftover cider can be used in apple cider cocktails, to make apple cider donuts, or even as a base for homemade applesauce.

Optional spices

Feel free to add ground spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to taste for extra warmth in your cider.

Serve it hot or cold

This cider is delicious served as hot apple cider during the winter months, but it’s just as refreshing served cold on a crisp autumn day.

Store-bought cider substitute

If you’re making this for the first time, you’ll be amazed at how much juice you get from fresh apples. It’s way better than store-bought cider!

Why Make Your Own Apple Cider?

Making your own cider is a perfect drink for the holiday season and a great way to use up extra apples from your apple orchard or local market. Plus, you get to control the sweetness and spices to your personal preference. Whether you’re enjoying this homemade cider while cozying up with a hot chocolate or using it as a base for other apple recipes, this comforting drink is sure to become a fall and winter favorite in your home.