Homemade Apple Cider

As the leaves begin to fall, there's no better way to welcome the autumn season than with a steaming mug of Homemade Apple Cider. In this post, I invite you to embark on a journey of sensory delight as we share this cherished recipe for crafting the liquid embodiment of fall's splendor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you'll transform fresh apples into a fragrant, warming elixir that captures the very essence of the season. Join me as I begin the EPIC spiral that is autumnal addiction!

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Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients

• Apples (8): Fresh apples, with their vibrant colors and natural sweetness, are the heart of homemade apple cider. Leaving the skin on adds depth of flavor and a lovely hue. The skin contains essential oils and contributes to the cider's aroma and color, while the flesh releases natural sugars during simmering, enhancing sweetness.
• Water (2 c): Water is essential for creating the cider base, allowing the apples and spices to infuse their flavors into the liquid. It helps extract the juices and aromas from the ingredients during the simmering process.
• Sugar (¼ c): Sugar enhances the apple cider's overall flavor, balancing the natural tartness of the apples. It also complements the spices and provides a pleasant level of sweetness to the finished cider.
• Orange (1): Oranges contribute a hint of citrus flavor and natural acidity, which balances the sweetness of the apples. The orange slices also release aromatic oils and subtle fruitiness, enhancing the cider's complexity.
• Cinnamon Sticks (2-3): Cinnamon sticks infuse the cider with warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, making it distinctly autumnal. They also provide a classic and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Allspice (1 tsp): Allspice offers a blend of flavors reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Allspice also complements the cinnamon sticks, intensifying the spice profile and adding complexity to the cider. It contributes warmth and depth, making the flavor more robust.
• Salt (pinch): A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and spices in the cider, preventing it from becoming overly sweet. It also rounds out the taste, making it more harmonious.

Steps to Make Homemade Apple Cider (with pictures)

1. Blend: Add apples and water to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This may need to be done in batches depending on the size and powder of your machine.
2. Filter: Lay cheesecloth or a clean, light towel over a large bowl. Pour blended apple mixture over the cloth and pull up on the corners. Squeeze as much juice as possible out of the cloth. The cloth will hold the apple pulp and keep the majority of it from getting into the bowl. This may also need to be done in batches.
3. Simmer: Pour apple juice into a large pot. Add sugar, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, allspice and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Allow mixture to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired.

Tips for Making Homemade Apple Cider

Making homemade apple cider is a wonderful autumn tradition, and here are some tips to ensure a successful batch:

1. Choose the Right Apples:
   • Opt for a mix of apple varieties for a well-rounded flavor. With this in mind, use a combination of sweet and tart apples for complexity.
2. Use Fresh, Ripe Apples:
   • Use fresh, ripe apples for the best flavor. Bruised or overripe apples can undoubtedly, negatively impact the cider's taste.
3. Wash the Apples Thoroughly:
   • Rinse the apples to remove any dirt or debris. No need to peel them; the skin adds flavor and color.
4. Core and Slice the Apples:
   • Core and slice the apples into quarters or smaller pieces. Smaller pieces will release their juices more efficiently during cooking.
5. Experiment with Spices:
   • Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add cloves, star anise, or cardamom for additional flavor complexity.
6. Simmer Gently, Don't Boil:
   • Simmer the ingredients gently; boiling can make the cider cloudy. Low and slow is also the key to extracting flavors without compromising clarity.
7. Strain the Cider:
   • Once the cider is done simmering, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids and ensure a smooth texture.
8. Serve Hot or Cold:
   • Homemade apple cider can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference. Heat it gently to serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of apple to make homemade apple cider?

While you can use various apple varieties, it's best to choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Popular choices include Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Jonathan apples.

Do I need to peel the apples for cider?

No, you don't need to peel the apples. Keeping the skin on adds color and flavor to the cider. Simply wash the apples thoroughly before use.

Can I make apple cider with apple juice or store-bought applesauce?

Apple cider is traditionally made from fresh apples, as using juice or applesauce won't provide the same depth of flavor. To explain, if you use applesauce, you'll essentially be making apple juice.

Can I use a slow cooker or instant pot to make apple cider?

Yes, you can make apple cider in a slow cooker or instant pot. To this end, simmer the ingredients on low for several hours in a slow cooker or use the pressure cooking function on an instant pot to speed up the process.

How can I adjust the sweetness of homemade apple cider?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or sweetener during the cooking process. Taste the cider as it simmers and add sweetener gradually until you achieve the desired sweetness.

Can I make alcoholic apple cider at home?

Yes, you can make hard apple cider at home by fermenting apple juice with yeast. It's a different process from making non-alcoholic cider and involves additional steps like fermentation and bottling.

How to Serve/Store Homemade Apple Cider

Serving

Serving homemade apple cider is a delightful experience, especially during the fall season. Here are some tips on how to serve it:

1. Warm and Cozy:
   • Serve homemade apple cider warm to enhance its comforting and aromatic qualities. Heat it gently on the stove or in a microwave-safe container. Also avoid boiling to maintain its clarity.
2. Garnish with Cinnamon Sticks:
   • Add a cinnamon stick to each cup of cider. The warm, spicy aroma of the cinnamon complements the cider beautifully and also serves as a convenient stirrer.
3. Fresh Citrus Twist:
4. Garnish with a thin slice of fresh orange or lemon for a citrusy aroma and a touch of brightness. Correspondingly, the citrus complements the apple flavors.
5. Spice It Up:
   • Offer a small dish of additional cinnamon sticks, cloves, or allspice for guests to add as desired. This is especially fun as it allows everyone to customize their cider.
6. Cider Bar:
   • Consider setting up a cider bar with various toppings and garnishes. To illustrate, offer whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a pinch of nutmeg for guests to experiment with.
7. Pair with Autumn Treats:
   • Serve homemade apple cider alongside seasonal treats like apple pie, cider donuts, pumpkin bread, or warm, buttery scones.
8. Chilled Variation:
   • If you prefer a cold version, refrigerate the cider until it's well-chilled and serve it over ice. This is a refreshing option for milder autumn days.
9. Cocktail Mixer:
   • Use homemade apple cider as a base for cocktails. Further, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy for a warm, alcoholic twist.
10. Non-Alcoholic Punch:
    • Create a non-alcoholic punch by mixing the cider with sparkling water or ginger ale. Also add some sliced apples and berries for a festive touch.

Storing

Storing homemade apple cider properly helps maintain its freshness and prevents spoilage. To this end, after making or purchasing homemade apple cider, refrigerate it promptly. Also store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation.

Ensure that the container used for storage is clean and sanitized. Accordingly, glass containers with tight-fitting lids work well and help preserve the cider's flavor. Seal the container tightly to, above all, prevent air from entering. This helps retain the cider's freshness and aroma.

Store the apple cider in the refrigerator at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). The colder temperature slows down the growth of microorganisms and also helps preserve the cider. Homemade apple cider is best consumed within a week of making or purchasing, as it doesn't have the same preservatives as commercially produced cider. Comparatively, cider can be frozen for up to a month.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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