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Close-up of a glass mug filled with steaming hot apple cider, surrounded by apples, cinnamon sticks, and a cozy plaid cloth.
Stephanie

How to Make Hot Apple Cider from Scratch (With Real Apples!)

There’s just something magical about the smell of hot apple cider simmering on the stove. It’s warm, spiced, and cozy—everything fall is meant to be in a mug.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10–12 sweet apples a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji or whatever you have on hand
  • 1 orange quartered, peel on—or use orange slices and orange peel
  • Optional: lemon peel or lemon zest for a hint of citrus flavor
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks or more to place cinnamon sticks in the mugs before serving
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (or ¾ teaspoon ground cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon allspice berries or 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1–2 star anise Optional
  • 8 cups hot water or enough to cover fruit by 2"
  • ½ cup brown sugar or sweeten to taste (maple syrup is a great swap)

Method
 

  1. Roughly chop the apples and slices of orange—no need to peel or core. Just remove any stickers and rinse. Add apples, citrus, mulling spices, brown sugar, and water to a large pot or medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours. Your entire house will smell incredible!
  2. Mash the softened fruit with a slotted spoon or potato masher to release the juices. Simmer another 30–45 minutes.
  3. Carefully strain through a fine strainer or coffee filter into a clean bowl or pitcher. Discard the solids.
  4. Ladle into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently when ready.

Notes

    • Crock pot method: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours.
    • Want to spike it? Add a little rum or bourbon to make this a hard cider before serving for the best cozy alcoholic beverage.
    • Make a large batch and freeze for later or jar it up for gifting!
    • Great for holiday tables or post-apple orchard outings.