Homemade Hot Apple Cider
Cozy, fragrant, and perfectly spiced, this homemade apple cider is the ultimate fall drink. Made with a mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious apples simmered with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger, it’s naturally sweet, warming, and comforting. Serve it hot for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you want the flavors of autumn in a mug.
Tasty Team
Total Time
2 hr 45 min
2 hr 45 min
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 min
Cook Time
2 hr 30 min
2 hr 30 min
Total Time
2 hr 45 min
2 hr 45 min
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 min
Cook Time
2 hr 30 min
2 hr 30 min
Ingredients
for 2 quarts
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples, unpeeled and quartered lengthwise
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, unpeeled and quartered lengthwise
- 4 large Golden Delicious apples, unpeeled and quartered lengthwise
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 2 (1-inch) pieces fresh gingers, unpeeled and sliced (optional, for warmth)
- 2 whole star anises
- 16 cups water
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon McCormick® Pure Orange Extract
- Orange slice, for garnish
Preparation
- Place the quartered apples, cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise, water, and cloves in a large stockpot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat (this will take about 15 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 2–2½ hours, until the apples are pulpy and the cider is reduced by half and turns a rich golden brown, stirring every 15–20 minutes and pressing the apples gently with a wooden spoon or potato masher to help them break down.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined colander over a large heatproof bowl or pitcher. Working in batches, carefully ladle the hot cider through the strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
- Return the strained cider to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar and orange extract. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.
- Ladle the cider into mugs, and serve steaming hot. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or orange slices if desired.
- To store, let the cider cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Transfer to jars or pitchers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
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