Fall's Favorite Drink: Make Delicious Homemade Apple Cider in No Time!

Photo byAngie Bright

Homemade Apple Cider Made Easy

When the air starts to cool and the leaves change to brilliant shades of red and gold, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a warm cup of homemade apple cider. It’s the drink of fall, bringing a cozy and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving a comforting sip, this homemade apple cider recipe is simple to make and packed with rich, autumnal flavors.

The magic of homemade apple cider is in its balance of sweetness and spice. Using fresh apples, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, you’ll create a drink that’s bursting with warmth and comfort. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in your crockpot, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Forget about the store-bought versions that often lack depth and taste—this recipe will become your go-to every fall.

Recipe: Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients:

• 8 gala apples, quartered
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Begin by filling your crockpot with 10 cups of water. Quarter your gala apples, leaving the skins on, and toss them into the pot.
2. Add in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice, making sure the spices are evenly distributed among the apples.
3. Set your crockpot on high and let the mixture cook for 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, use a potato masher to crush the apples. For ease, you can move the apples to a separate bowl, mash them, and return them to the crockpot.
5. Stir in the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level. Then, let the cider simmer on low for an additional 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Once done, strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any apple pulp and spices. You’ll be left with a smooth, rich apple cider ready to enjoy.

This homemade apple cider can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat whenever you need a comforting, flavorful drink to keep you warm on those crisp fall days.

Why Homemade Apple Cider? Making apple cider at home allows you to control the sweetness and spice to suit your taste. Whether you like it a little tart or extra sweet, you’re in charge. Plus, the natural ingredients give it a fresh, vibrant flavor that you just can’t get from the store-bought versions. You’ll also love how your house fills with the inviting scent of apples and spices as it simmers away.

This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings at home, holiday gatherings, or even as a treat for guests. Serve it as is, or add a splash of your favorite spirit for an adult version that’s sure to please. No matter how you enjoy it, homemade apple cider will quickly become a fall tradition that you’ll look forward to year after year.

Why Homemade Apple Cider?

Making apple cider at home lets you enjoy the authentic flavors of the season without any of the added preservatives found in store-bought versions. Plus, you can tweak the sweetness and spice level to your taste. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can easily fill your home with the warm and inviting aroma of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 8 gala apples, quartered (or a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balance)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 to 3/4 cup brown sugar, adjusted to your preference

Instructions:

1. Add 10 cups of water to your slow cooker. Quarter your apples and toss them in, leaving the skins on.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice.
3. Cook on high for 3 hours until the apples soften.
4. Mash the apples using a potato masher. For convenience, you can remove the apples from the cooker, mash them, and then return them to the pot.
5. Stir in brown sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Let it simmer on low for an additional 2 hours to infuse the flavors.
6. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids, leaving behind a smooth, spiced cider.

This homemade apple cider can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or even frozen for longer storage. Reheat it as needed for a cozy fall treat, or serve it chilled if you prefer a cooler version​(The Stay At Home Chef)​(Don't Sweat The Recipe)​(Gimme Some Oven).

Additional Tips:

• To add more depth, consider including a splash of orange juice or even fresh ginger for an extra zing.
• For a spiked version, you can add bourbon or rum for a warming adult beverage​(JoyFoodSunshine)​(Gimme Some Oven).

If you'd like more detailed instructions or want to explore variations of this recipe, check out resources like The Stay at Home Chef and Don't Sweat the Recipe​(The Stay At Home Chef)​(Don't Sweat The Recipe).

Enjoy your cozy homemade apple cider!