I absolutely love this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe because it fills the entire house with cozy, warm aromas that instantly make you feel at home. There’s something so satisfying about simmering fresh apples and warming spices together—it’s like capturing the essence of the season in a big pot! Whether you’re gearing up for a chilly autumn afternoon or hosting friends and family over the holidays, this cider is such a comforting treat.
When I first tried making spiced cider from scratch, I had no idea how simple it would be and how much more flavorful it is compared to the store-bought stuff. You’ll find that using whole fruits and spices really makes a difference—it’s vibrant, naturally sweet, and perfectly spiced. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize based on what you have and what you prefer, so you can really make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Real Ingredients: Only fresh apples, whole spices, and simple natural sweeteners mean a pure, wholesome cider with no artificial flavors.
- Easy to Make: Simmering everything together in one pot means minimal effort and cleanup, perfect for busy days.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness, spices, and serve it hot or cold—plus add bourbon if you want to kick it up a notch!
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults loves this comforting cider—you’ll be asked for this recipe, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced spiced apple cider with just the right touch of citrus and warmth from the spices. Look for fresh, crisp apples and choose your sweetener based on your preference—maple syrup adds a lovely depth, while brown sugar offers a classic sweetness.
- Medium Apples: Choose a mix like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for sweet-tart balance and rich flavor.
- Large Oranges: Using both peeled and unpeeled orange adds fresh brightness and subtle citrus oils.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Whole sticks infuse the cider gently without overpowering it.
- Whole Cloves: They pack a lot of flavor—if using ground, a little goes a long way to avoid bitterness.
- Optional Spices: Nutmeg, star anise, allspice berries, and black peppercorns add extra warmth and complexity—feel free to experiment.
- Filtered Water: Clean tasting water really lets the fruit and spices shine.
- Pure Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: A natural sweetener to balance the tart apples—maple syrup adds a subtle woodsy note I adore.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Apple Slices and Cinnamon Sticks (for serving): For that cozy, inviting presentation.
- Bourbon or Rum (optional): Adds an adult kick if you want to serve it as a festive cocktail.
Variations
I like to play around with this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe depending on the season or what mood I’m in. It’s such a flexible base that you can easily make it your own with a few simple swaps or additions.
- Spiced Up: Once, I added star anise and a pinch of black peppercorns to give it a subtle, complex warmth—my family went crazy for this fragrant twist.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey or agave syrup if you want a different natural sweetness; just remember to add it toward the end to preserve flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic Punch: Garnish with fresh cranberries and a splash of sparkling water for a festive, family-friendly version.
- Extra Citrus: Swap oranges for tangerines or add lemon peel for a brighter, tangier cider experience.
How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Spices
Start by quartering your medium apples—there’s no need to peel or core them because the simmering will soften everything beautifully and the peels add extra flavor. Quarter the oranges, peel one completely, and leave the other’s peel on for a bit more aromatic oils in the cider. Toss all the fruit, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices into your largest stockpot. Add enough water to cover everything but leave at least an inch and a half of space at the top—this keeps it simmering safely without boiling over.
Step 2: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the water to a strong simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover your pot. Let everything gently simmer for about two hours until the apples and oranges are totally soft. This low, steady heat draws out incredible flavors and softens the fruit so well—it’s the magic behind making your cider rich and smooth.
Step 3: Mash and Simmer More
Remove the orange pieces with their peels still on (the peel can sometimes impart a bitter note if left too long). Keep the peeled orange quarters in the pot—they contribute lovely citrus brightness. Then use a potato masher or a sturdy wooden spoon to mash the softened fruit against the bottom of the pot to release even more juices and flavor. Leave the pot uncovered and let the cider simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally—you’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen. It’s pure heaven!
Step 4: Strain and Sweeten
Time to strain! Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl and ladle the hot cider through, pressing the solids to get every last drop of that flavorful liquid. This step is worth doing gently but thoroughly to capture all the goodness while leaving behind the pulp. If you want your cider warmer, return it to the pot and stir in your sweetener of choice—starting with half a cup of maple syrup or brown sugar—and the vanilla extract. Taste as you go! Add more sweetener a tablespoon at a time until it hits your perfect balance.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the cider warm into mugs, garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks, and if you’re feeling festive, add a splash of bourbon or rum per drink. If you prefer it chilled, refrigerate and serve over ice with the same garnishes. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that always feels like a little hug in a cup.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe
- Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing sweet and tart apples creates a more complex cider flavor, something I always make sure to do.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer Time: I’ve learned low and slow is key to unlocking that rich, spiced goodness without burning off your liquid.
- Mash Gently: Press the fruit just enough to release juices but avoid pulverizing too much pulp, which can make straining harder.
- Adjust Sweetness Last: Start conservative with your sweetener and build up—apples vary in tartness, and you don’t want it too sweet.
How to Serve Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
I always swear by a simple cinnamon stick and a couple of thin apple slices floating on top—it’s classic and makes the cider feel extra special without any fuss. Sometimes, I’ll add a star anise pod or a small twist of orange peel for a little visual and flavor flare when guests are coming over.
Side Dishes
This cider pairs beautifully with cozy fall treats like freshly baked pumpkin bread, cheddar cheese biscuits, or even savory soft pretzels. I like to serve it alongside chili or a hearty soup to warm up chilly evenings—such a satisfying combo!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve served this cider in a big glass punch bowl with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks, letting guests ladle it themselves—such a fun interactive touch. I’ve also poured it into cute mason jars with rustic twine tied around for gifting or taking along to fall picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover cider in an airtight glass container in the fridge, and it stays fresh and flavorful for about 4-5 days. Giving it a quick stir or gentle reheat before serving freshens it up perfectly.
Freezing
If I have extra cider and want to save it for later, I freeze it in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays. When thawed gently, the flavor holds up well, making it easy to enjoy the warmth of fall anytime you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, I pour cider into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling as it can evaporate the lovely flavors—just warm enough to feel cozy and invite that spicy scent again.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-made apple juice instead of fresh apples for this cider?
While you can use store-bought apple juice as a shortcut, it won’t have the same depth of flavor, body, or freshness that comes from simmering whole apples and oranges with spices. The homemade approach develops a richer and more complex cider that you can’t quite get from juice alone.
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How long does homemade spiced apple cider last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade spiced apple cider will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 to 5 days. Always give it a sniff and a taste before reheating, but properly stored it will keep its great flavor.
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Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You’ll want to mash the fruit partway through and strain before serving, just like in the stovetop method.
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Is this cider suitable for kids?
Yes! The cider is naturally sweet and full of warm spices without any alcohol unless you add some for adults. Simply skip the bourbon or rum, and it’s a perfect kid-friendly treat, especially during fall and winter months.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe is one of those cozy kitchen projects that feels extra special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. I love how it brings a little everyday magic into the house—smelling those cinnamon and cloves cooking away comforts the soul and makes any moment feel like a celebration. If you’re wondering whether to try it yourself, just know you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, warm, and inviting drink that everyone will cherish. So go ahead, grab those apples, and make some cider—you’ll thank me later!
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Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 cups)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A cozy and warming homemade apple cider made by simmering fresh apples, oranges, and aromatic spices, sweetened naturally with maple syrup or brown sugar. Perfect served warm or chilled with optional bourbon for an adult twist.
Ingredients
Fruit and Spices
- 10 to 12 medium apples
- 2 large oranges
- 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (2- to 3-inches each)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
- Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 gallon (16 cups) water (filtered if possible)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
- Bourbon or rum (optional; use 2 tablespoons per drink)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: In a very large stockpot, place the apples. Quarter the oranges, then remove the peels from one orange (leave the peels on the second orange). Add the quartered oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices to the pot.
- Add Water: Cover the fruit and spices with water, leaving at least 1½ inches of space at the top of the pot for simmering to prevent boiling over. Adjust water quantity if your pot is smaller.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 2 hours until the apples and oranges are very soft.
- Remove Orange Peels and Mash: Remove the orange sections with peels still on, leaving the peeled orange in the pot. Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to mash the softened fruit at the bottom of the pot, extracting maximum flavor. Continue simmering uncovered for 1 more hour for concentration of flavors.
- Strain the Cider: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp.
- Sweeten and Finish: Optionally return the strained cider to the pot. Stir in maple syrup or brown sugar and vanilla extract. Warm gently if desired and adjust sweetness by adding more sweetener in small increments. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, with optional bourbon or rum.
Notes
- Use a mix of apple varieties for richer flavor complexity.
- Adjust sweetness according to the tartness of the apples and personal preference.
- Optional spices add depth; customize to your liking.
- For an adult version, add bourbon or rum when serving.
- Straining well ensures a clear, smooth cider.
- The cider can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.001 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
