Homemade Apple Cider (2024)

This cozy apple cider recipe tastes incredible — and it'll make your house smell like fall while it's cooking!

Homemade Apple Cider (1)

Apple Cider Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make the best homemade apple cider of your life:

  • Apples: Of course, you'll need apples for homemade apple cider!
  • Water: Use just enough water to cover the quartered apples.
  • Sugar: Sweeten things up with ¾ cup white sugar.
  • Spices: This homemade apple cider is spiced with cinnamon and allspice.

Best Apples for Cider

The best apple variety for cider depends on your taste preferences. If you like sweet cider, opt for a sweeter type like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, try something like McIntosh or Pink Lady. Still not sure what you're looking for? You can get the best of both worlds by using a blend of sweet and tart apple varieties.

How to Make Apple Cider

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this flavorful apple cider:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a stockpot.
2. Boil for one hour, then simmer for two hours.
3. Strain the mixture at least twice.

Nicole's Top Apple Cider Tricks

When given the choice between apple cider and hot chocolate, culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) says she'll choose apple cider every time. Here are a few of her favorite tips and tricks for making the cozy drink:

  • Don't worry about removing the apple cores, as all the solid bits will be strained out at the end. You also shouldn't peel the apples. That skin will add color and flavor to the homemade apple cider, according to Nicole.
  • Make sure to press the cooked apples with the ladle while you're straining them to get out every last bit of juice.
  • You can strain the apple cider into a pitcher to serve cold or into another pot if you want to serve it hot.

How to Store Apple Cider

Store the leftover apple cider in a tightly covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can either can the cider or freeze it.

Homemade Apple Cider (3)

How to Freeze Apple Cider

Pour the cooled apple cider into freezer-safe containers in serving-size portions. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the liquid will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to one year.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I put all the ingredients into a Crock-Pot," says Lyssa Julia. "Set it to low and it cooked for 12 hours while I was at work. Came home and the whole place smelled like fall. I served it with bourbon. Highly recommend that last step."

"Fantastic recipe," raves Keri Clearwater. "Huge hit with my family and delicious hot or cold! I used enough apples to make a gallon and it barely lasted a day."

"Good recipe, but you are SERIOUSLY missing out if you don't save the excess apple for apple sauce," according to James Brako-McComb. "Just stick it in a blender and add a few teaspoons of sugar to taste and you're done!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Homemade Apple Cider (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade apple cider worth it? ›

Store-bought apple cider is usually full of added sugars. The heating processes it goes through can suppress the flavor of the apples. When you make homemade apple cider, you don't lose a speck of its appley-ness. Making cider yourself means you control the sweetness.

How do you increase the alcohol content of homemade cider? ›

Utilizing apple juice concentrate is one way to add more apple character if your cider seems to be lacking in a fruity apple character. Many cidermakers will boost the character by adding sugars like maple syrup or brown sugar. This will boost alcohol level and add a hint of molasses as well.

How to take apple cider vinegar to lower blood glucose? ›

People who wish to consume apple cider vinegar should dilute 1–2 tbs of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water. Drink it before meals or just before bedtime, when it has the greatest reducing impact on blood sugar. As with most kinds of vinegar, a person should not consume undiluted apple cider vinegar.

What is the ratio of apples to cider? ›

If you're aiming to make one demijohn of cider, a demijohn takes 4.5 litres (1 gallon) of liquid. As a general rule you will need about of 9 kg (20 lbs) of apples to produce 4.5 litres of juice.

What does apple cider do if you drink it everyday? ›

The Bottom Line. Apple-cider vinegar is a trendy addition to a healthy diet, with some claims suggesting that ingesting it every day can support healthy blood sugar levels, weight-management goals and more.

What is the downside of apple cider vinegar? ›

Apple cider vinegar may have some health benefits, but consuming too much vinegar can cause unwanted effects, such as tooth decay and indigestion. Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in food dressings, flavorings, and preservatives.

Does adding sugar to cider make it stronger? ›

To raise the gravity by 5° add about 10g of sugar per litre of juice. i.e. 10g of sugar in one litre of juice will give a potential alcohol increase of 1%. Once you have added your sugar, re-test the juice with the hydrometer until the desired specific gravity is reached.

What is the best alcohol to add to cider? ›

Traditionally cider is spiked with dark spirits, like the rum and bourbon in the recipes above. But what if you want something a little lighter? Vodka can do the trick. Since it doesn't contribute much in the way of flavor, we add fresh ginger for its distinctive, peppery-sweet flavor.

How long does homemade apple cider take to ferment? ›

The fermentation time will depend on the room temperature and the initial starting gravity. 5 to 14 days is just a guide. The slower the fermentation the better the cider will taste. It is really important not to exceed 27°C.

Can apple cider vinegar clean out your liver? ›

When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar at night or morning? ›

Aside from potentially lowering fasting blood sugar, drinking apple cider vinegar right before bed doesn't appear to make much of a difference in terms of its health benefits. To prevent adverse effects, it's best to enjoy it diluted or in a dressing and at least 2-3 hours before lying down.

How many apples does it take to make 1 gallon of apple cider? ›

You need a good amount of apples to make cider. Approximately 30 to 40 apples will yield one gallon of cider. The apples need to be as ripe as possible. It's OK to use less-than-perfect apples on the ground at any orchard or old apple farm.

How many apples does it take to make 8 oz of apple cider? ›

It take about 3-6 medium sized pressed apples to make an 8 oz cup of cider.

Do you have to use campden tablets when making cider? ›

The reason Campden tablets are called for in a cider recipe before adding yeast is to destroy any trace amounts of mold spores or bacteria that may be in the juice. Any small amounts can multiply into a full-blown spoilage if the yeast doesn't happen to grow and take over the juice first.

Is it cheaper to make or buy apple cider? ›

If we say it cost a total of $2.75 to make this batch of 48oz, that would come out to $7.15/gallon. If cost is your only factor, then once you add up the ingredients, and the time spent making the cider, it would probably be faster and cheaper to stick a gallon or two in your cart next time you visit the store.

What are the benefits of homemade apple cider? ›

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

How long does homemade apple cider last? ›

Apple cider will stay good in your refrigerator for 2 weeks. Be sure to let it cool down completely before storing in an airtight container and popping it in the refrigerator.

What does homemade apple cider taste like? ›

Whether pasteurized or not, the result is a cloudy, caramel-colored liquid with a complex sweet, tart flavor. Much tangier than apple juice. It's a versatile treat in that it can be consumed by itself as a beverage or used as an ingredient in other things.

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