Homemade Apple Cider
Though it takes a whole day tending to this cider, I promise you, it's worth it.
Servings: 16
Calories: 211kcal
Equipment
- Paring knife or apple corer
- Cutting board
- Large Stock Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Large Mesh Sieve
- Pitcher or Dispenser
Ingredients
- 6 lbs apples mixed varieties
- 1 orange halved
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 3-4 cardamom pods
- 1/2 c packed dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Core your apples and cut into 8 slices each.
- Add all ingredients to a large stock pot. Optional: wrap spices in cheesecloth and tie it off to form a sachet.
- Add water to your stock pot to raise the level by 2 inches (keep an eye on it as it fills because apples float).
- Bring the whole thing to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer (gently bubbling).
- Cover the pot with the lid and allow to simmer 2 hours.
- Take the orange out of the pot, then mash the apples up with a potato masher or something similar.
- Recover, and simmer an additional hour.
- Set a large mesh sieve over the mouth of a pitcher or drink dispenser.
- Pour the cider over the sieve, and mash the apples down to reduce all excess juice. (You may have to do this in multiple batches).
- If the cider is too diluted (AKA, if there's too much water), return the cider to the stock pot and boil for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy hot or cold!
Notes
You can make applesauce with the mushed apples! Add the apples (best while still hot), discard spices, an additional 1/2 c brown sugar, and 2 tsp of citric acid to a food processor or strong blender, and process till mostly smooth.
Nutrition
Calories: 211kcal
