Apple Cider Recipe
User Reviews
5
Apple Cider Recipe
Description
The process starts with washing and quartering apples and an orange, incorporating strips of orange zest for citrus aroma. Brown sugar sweetens the mixture, complemented by whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. The fruit and spices are submerged in water and simmered until the apples are very soft. After mashing the fruit to release maximum flavor, the cider is strained through a fine mesh to yield a clear, spiced beverage.
The cider can be served warm with garnishes like cinnamon sticks or orange slices or chilled for refreshment. Its balance of sweet and spice makes it versatile for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Additionally, the cider can be used in baking recipes such as apple cider donuts.
Notes suggest leaving apple peels on saves preparation time, that additional spices like ginger or star anise can customize flavor, and alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup may be used. A cheesecloth-lined sieve can substitute for a fine mesh strainer when needed.
Ingredients
- 1 orange (140g)
- 10 apple about 4 pounds, 1.3kg
- 4 cinnamon stick
- 2 teaspoons clove whole
- 2 teaspoons allspice whole
- 1 nutmeg whole
- ½ cup brown sugar (110g)
- 10 cups water (2.36L), or enough to cover the apple mixture by 1-inch
Instructions
- Wash the orange and apples. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to cut four strips of orange zest (just the orange skin.) Peel the remaining white pith from the orange then cut the orange flesh into pieces. Core the apples and cut them into quarters.
- Add the apples and orange along with the strips of orange zest into a large pot (at least 8 quarts.) Sprinkle the brown sugar over top and add the cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Cover with the water.
- Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot partially with a lid. Cook at a low boil for about 1 hour or until the apples are very soft.
- Use a potato masher or large spoon to mash the apples and orange. Cook over medium-low heat for one more hour, partially covered.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing against the solids to extract as much cider as possible.
- Enjoy warm or chilled. Cool down and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Keep apple skins on to save prep time and retain flavor.
- Enhance the cider with optional spices such as fresh ginger slices, star anise, or cardamom for varied aromas.
- Brown sugar can be swapped with honey, maple syrup, or granulated sugar; adjust sweetness after cooking and tasting.
- If lacking a fine mesh sieve, line a colander with a cheesecloth to strain the cider.
- Serve garnished with cinnamon sticks or orange slices for added presentation and aroma.
- For an adult version, add rum, brandy, or bourbon to warm servings.
- Use leftover cider as an ingredient for baked goods like apple cider donuts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 125 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 125kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Sodium | 15mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 210mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 115IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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