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Apple Cider

Apple cider simmered low and slow until the apples break down into a fragrant, spiced, golden-amber drink. Made with unpeeled apples for color and natural body, then strained for a smooth finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Simmer and mash extra 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple cider base
  • 12 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart — Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith) Do not peel or core; quarter them.
  • 4 cinnamon sticks Plus extra for serving.
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 orange, sliced Plus extra slices for serving.
  • 4 cup water Plus more to cover.
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Simmer the cider
  1. Quarter the apples, leaving skins on and cores intact for extra color and pectin.
  2. Add the apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices to a large pot.
  3. Pour in enough water to cover the apples and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to a low simmer and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, until the apples are very soft and the liquid tastes flavorful.
Mash, then cook longer
  1. Mash the apples with a potato masher until well broken down.
  2. Continue simmering for 30 more minutes so the pulp releases additional flavor and body.
Strain and sweeten
  1. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup and vanilla, then taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  3. Serve warm with additional cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

Notes

Pro tip: press the pulp firmly when straining to maximize thickness and spiced aroma. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days; rewarm gently on the stove. Freeze yes—freeze portions up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. For a lower-sugar option, use maple syrup or omit the added sweetener to taste (the apples will still provide natural sweetness).