Homemade Apple Cider

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 12 cups
  • Total: 6 hr 15 min
  • Active: 15 min
This homemade cider couldn't be easier: Cut a dozen of your favorite apples into wedges -- skins, seeds, stems and all -- and add to a slow cooker with some spices and water. A bonus: your house will smell delicious too!
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Ingredients

6 large tart apples, such as Granny Smith (about 2 pounds)

6 large sweet apples, such as Gala (about 2 pounds)

12 whole cloves

6 cinnamon sticks 

1/2 to 1 cup packed light brown sugar

Directions

Special equipment:
a 7-quart slow cooker; a potato masher
  1. Thoroughly wash and dry the apples. Cut each apple into 8 wedges (skins, seeds and stems included) and transfer to a 7-quart slow cooker. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks and 12 cups water. Cook on high, covered, for 4 hours.
  2. Remove the lid and carefully crush the apples with a potato masher. Cover again and cook on high for another 2 hours. 
  3. Set a large, fine-mesh strainer over a large stockpot. In batches, ladle the apple mixture into the strainer and use the back of the ladle to press down on the apple pulp to extract the liquid. Discard the pulp. Stir in 1/2 cup of the brown sugar until completely dissolved. Taste and add additional sugar if needed.
  4. Serve the apple cider hot or allow it to cool fully, then serve it chilled over ice.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Julie

I have been making this super easy cider recipe for several apple seasons with Fireside apples from our tree. Everyone that tries this apple cider loves it! The extra step that is not listed in the recipe is to let the cider sit in the refrigerator for a few days before using it to really make the flavors come out. It is great hot, cold, and made into a slushie. Highly recommend!

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