• Advertising
  • Media Kit
  • Contact

Momma Lew

Your guide to family fun!

You are here: Home / Recipes / How to Make Apple Cider

October 27, 2016 by momma lew 14 Comments

How to Make Apple Cider

Nothing says fall better than a big glass of fresh-pressed, homemade apple cider.

With apple harvest season at its peak now is the best time of the year to enjoy this popular beverage. It is surprisingly easy to make at home and, of course, delicious. Here’s how to make fresh apple cider in your kitchen.

How to Make Apple Cider

How to Make Apple Cider

Pick your apples: Grab about ten to twelve apples, wash them, and cut them into quarters. Put them into a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them with several inches of water on top.

Different apples will give you a different taste so don’t be afraid to mix and match the different varietals to give your side a unique flavor. Red delicious and Macintosh are the most popular types of apples and have a standard sweetness. They are ideal for making up the bulk of your cider base. If you like your cider a little on the sweeter side, add in a few golden delicious, which tend to have a crisper, sweeter last to them. Like their name implies, honeycrisp apples have a slight but noticeable honey aftertaste. If you like a level of tartness to your cider try a few granny smiths into the mix. Experiment with different types until you find the mix that best suits your tastebuds.

Add your spices: Add a cup of sugar, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, one teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and nutmeg to the boiling water.  You can add or subtract the amount of sugar based on your personal preferences. Use more if you’re using very tart apples, or less for sweeter varieties.

Boil the apples: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil on medium-high heat and cook uncovered for 45 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for another two hours. Remove pot from heat to allow the mixture to cool slightly, making it safer to handle.

Separate liquid and solids: Gently pour contents through a large colander from cooking pot to a carafe or other serving container to remove the big apple chunks. If you don’t like a lot of pulp in your cider, strain it again through cheesecloth to remove the remaining solids.

Choose your serving style: Do you prefer your cider cold and smooth or warm and spicy? You may either chill it in the refrigerator to serve it as fresh, cold apple cider. Since your fresh cider contains no preservatives you should consume it within three to four days, before potentially harmful bacteria can develop.

If hot cider is more your style, you may also turn it into mulled cider. Pour the liquid into a saucepan with additional cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves to taste and simmer for about 20 minutes. Pour in a mug and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick for a perfect hot drink on a chilly autumn day.

No matter how you like it, making apple cider at home can be a lot of fun and kickstart your fall.

Related Posts

  • How to Make a Healthy Pumpkin Pie SmoothieHow to Make a Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
  • Old Fashioned Apple PieOld Fashioned Apple Pie
  • Spicy Apple TurnoversSpicy Apple Turnovers
  • 20 Autumn Butternut Squash Recipes20 Autumn Butternut Squash Recipes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • Yummly
  • Pinterest
  • Email
«
»

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: apples, Fall, fall recipes, How to Make Apple Cider, Recipes

Comments

  1. patty says

    October 28, 2016 at 3:00 am

    I’ve got a press and apple cider is such a treat. This is a new way of making cider to me. Thanks for the recipe

    Reply
  2. Jeanette says

    October 28, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    I have always wanted to know what the difference was between apple juice and apple cider was. I am so glad you shared this, I really want to try to make this.

    Reply
  3. Jenna Wood says

    October 28, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    This takes me back to my Fall vacations in the New England apple orchards. I just might give this a try!

    Reply
  4. Stacie says

    October 28, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    I love a warm cup of cider on a chilly day. The flavor is amazing. Now that I have the craving I will have to make some.

    Reply
  5. Tara says

    October 28, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    It’s been a while since I’ve made apple cider. A mug of it would surely hit the spot right now. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  6. Janice says

    October 28, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    That look simply amazing! I will have to try this recipe. We LOVE apple cider here!

    Reply
  7. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    October 28, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    I love apple cider, it’s one of my favorite fall drinks. I have never tried making my own.

    Reply
  8. Kathy says

    October 28, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    I love apple cider. It’s one of my favorites during fall. I never tried making it before. I’m glad you shared this recipe.

    Reply
  9. Oriana Romero says

    October 28, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    I will have to make some this weekend. It looks delicious and easy to make.

    Reply
  10. Tammi Roy says

    October 28, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    I have never made my own apple cider before. It is so delicious my family loves it. I will have to give this recipe a try.

    Reply
  11. Liz Mays says

    October 28, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    I’m totally doing this for my family this year. I’m a huge fan of apple cider and I want to be able to find the perfect balance of spices.

    Reply
  12. Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says

    October 29, 2016 at 12:48 am

    Our fall isn’t complete without hot apple cider! Thank you so much for these tips!

    Reply
  13. Janis @MommyBlogExpert says

    October 29, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    Apple cider is one of my favorite things about fall. Thanks for the step by step on how to make it homemade, I will have to try this.

    Reply
  14. Hali @daytodayMOMents says

    October 29, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    I love apple cider but failed to look up how it’s made so thanks for sharing! It would be so good with some added spices!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Find out more about Momma Lew here →

ALT TEXT

Let’s Be Friends

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Get Momma Lew right in your inbox!

  • Follow Momma Lew on Facebook
  • Contact
  • Advertising
  • Media Kit

Copyright © 2018 Momma Lew · Design by Tech·mom·o·gy Designs™.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.