This apple cider recipe is full of fall flavor from fresh apples, brown sugar, and a variety of fragrant baking spices. It's incredibly easy to make and it will have your house smelling fabulous! Stove top apple cider is so warm and comforting, it's sure to become your family's next holiday tradition!
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Instructions
Add all ingredients except sugar (apples, orange, water, and mulling spices) to a large stockpot. The water should cover the fruit with 1-2 inches of space left at the top of the stockpot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 2 hours. The apples should be very soft.
Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the apples and oranges into the side of the pot to release their flavor. Then replace the lid and simmer for 1 more hour.
Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the fruit and large bits of spices, then discard them.
Stir in the brown sugar, tasting until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Continue to mix until the sugar has fully dissolved before removing from heat and allowing your cider to cool slightly.
Garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks if desired and serve while warm.
Notes
Always wash fruit before eating or cooking it, pesticides or bacteria may reside on the surface.
You may peel the oranges if you prefer your cider less tart.
Using a variety of apples provides the best flavor. Gala, Rome, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp apples are all excellent choices for making apple cider.
A quick alternative to mulling spices is 4 cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon of whole cloves. In addition, you may use these optional spices: 1 teaspoon of whole allspice, 1 teaspoon of whole nutmeg, a star anise pod or two, and/or 1 teaspoon (or 1 inch) of fresh or crystallized ginger.
Dark brown sugar can be used in place of light brown sugar for a rich depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can also use honey or maple syrup to sweeten your homemade apple cider.
To store: Homemade apple cider can be kept in a sealed pitcher and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Once cooled, it may be frozen for up to 3 months.
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