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Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

As Fall brings cozier weather, there’s no sweeter way to welcome the season than with Homemade Apple Cider. Enjoy it warm or chilled over ice, the flavors of fresh apples and a cozy blend of spices are delicious and smell amazing too.

You can use any variety of apples and you’ll love the warm blend of spices and natural sweetness from the apples and brown sugar.

Two glass mugs of apple cider topped with apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks

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Apple Cider Recipe

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to Hot Chocolate to warm you up on a chilly day, or you’re trying to use up all of the apples that you picked at a local farm without having to eat your weight in Apple Pie, Caramel Apples, or Apple Turnovers, you are going to love this spiced cider recipe.

Hot Apple Cider is so soothing during the cooler months, it warms your entire body with every sip. The irresistible aroma while it simmers on the stove is better than any fancy candle you can buy- the scent will greet and comfort your guests as soon as they step into your home. This recipe is simple to make, you don’t even need to peel your apples. Just chop, simmer, strain, and serve.

We often serve special drinks like our Cranberry Punch, or Sherbet Punch when we host parties, and this Cider is the perfect addition to your Fall holiday celebrations.

Apple cider with cinnamon stick and apple and orange slices in a mug

Ingredients for Apple Cider

This recipe makes an authentic apple cider from scratch, but if time is an issue or you need a quick shortcut, you can use store-bought apple cider (see substitutions below).

  • Apples – 8-10 medium (or 4 lbs.), any variety or combination
  • Orange – adds citrus flavor notes to the sweet cider, peel for a less tart cider
  • Cinnamon – 3 medium or 4 small cinnamon sticks
  • Whole cloves – use 2 tsp whole or 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • Nutmeg – 1 whole nutmeg, or just a pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Brown Sugar – adds comforting sweetness
  • Water – add enough water to cover your apples and watch it turn to amber brown as the flavors infuse into the water

Substitutions

Instead of brown sugar, you can add sweetness with honey, maple syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, or any sweetener you prefer.

You can replace the water with store-bought cider. Reduce the apples down to one or two. Since store-bought cider typically already has sugar added, be sure to only add sugar to taste if needed.

The Best Apples to Use for Cider

We love using a variety of apples for homemade cider, they can even be imperfect- they’re going to be simmered and mashed to a pulp, so this is not an apple beauty contest. If you have a local apple farm, many will give a discount for the apples that have already fallen off of the trees, which are perfect for cider making- just be sure to give them a good rinse.

For the best apple cider, we like to use a mixture of sweet and tart apples. Use a combination of the varieties below:

Sweet apple varieties

  • Pink Lady
  • Honeycrisp
  • Fuji
  • Golden Delicious
  • Gala

Tart apple varieties

  • Granny Smith
  • MacIntosh
  • Cortland
Apple cider ingredients in a pot ready to simmer on the stove. Colorful apples, cinnamon, oranges, cloves, sugar

Pro Tip:

Apple cider is not just for drinking. You can use your cider to add extra flavor when baking. Incorporate apple cider into your recipes for pancakes, muffins, donuts, waffles, and more. Just substitute apple cider for some of the liquid the recipe calls for. You can also spritz apple cider onto meat when grilling or smoking chicken, pork, or beef.

How to Make Apple Cider

  • Chop – Core and roughly chop your fruit, no need to peel. We used this apple slicer to make the coring and cutting job even easier.
  • Fill Your Pot – Add fruit, spices, sugar, and water to your pot. Be sure the water covers the fruit.
  • Boil – Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat and lightly boil uncovered for 1 hour. Reduce heat to medium/low heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
  • Strain – Strain your cider through a fine mesh strainer or through a cheesecloth placed over a regular colander, into a punch bowl, pot, or slow cooker. Be sure to catch all of the solid ingredients. Squeeze to extract as much juice as possible.
  • Serve – Garnish with fresh fruit and serve. Cheers! (See more serving variations below)
Step by step photos of how to make apple cider. Chop, simmer, strain, serve.

Pro Tip:

Use a ladle to scoop the solids into your strainer first and press on the fruits with the back of your ladle or spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids, and then pour the rest of the pot into your strainer. This makes the pot less heavy to lift and pour.

Common Questions

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Both are made by pressing apples to extract the juice, but homemade apple cider is usually unfiltered, still containing some pulp and sediment while apple juice is filtered and more clear than cider. Apple juice is usually heated before bottling to extend its shelf life, which changes its color, flavor, and texture.

What kind of apples should I use for homemade apple cider?

You can use any kind of apple- your favorite or whatever you have on hand. We like to use a combination of apples to create the best flavor profile. Combine sweet and tart varieties (see our suggestions above).

Does apple cider have a lot of sugar in it?

Store-bought cider can tend to have a lot of added sugar in it. When you make your own cider, you can add as much or as little as you like and you can use natural sweeteners such as honey.

Should I use whole or ground spices?

This recipe is perfect for whole spices. The time on the stove simmering allows each spice to perfectly infuse the apple cider without adding extra grit or sediment. The solid ingredients are strained out at the end. If you only have ground spices, they are fine to use.

whole spices for apple cider

How to Serve Spiced Apple Cider

We love to serve this cider warm in clear glass mugs and garnish with:

  • Fresh apple slices – cut thin, add 1 or 2 slices per mug
  • Fresh orange slices – for a pop of color and aromatic flavor
  • Cinnamon sticks – use 1 small stick per mug for extra infused flavor and a picture-perfect mug of apple cider
  • Caramel Cream – serve warm with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top
  • Sparking Apple Cider – serve cold with sparking water or club soda for a bubbly treat
  • Apple Cider Ice Cream Float – add one scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top

Pro Tip

Use the strained leftover apple pulp to make a small batch of Apple Sauce or apple butter. It will be cinnamon-infused and delicious.

Apple cider garnished with apple and orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Served in a glass mug.

Storage

Allow your cider to cool completely and then store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Store in clean, glass mason jars, or another airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

More Apple Recipes

If you enjoy all things apple flavored, then you won’t want to miss our other apple recipes.

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Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

5 from 25 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Warm apple cider in a mug with floating cinnamon stick and apple and orange wedges
Hot Apple Cider is so soothing in the cooler months. Use a variety of apples for this homemade Cider Recipe with the perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 servings (makes 1/2 gallon)
  • 4 lbs apples, assorted variety (about 8-10 medium apples)
  • 1 medium orange, peeled and quartered
  • 3 cinnamon sticks, or 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of nutmeg, or 1 whole nutmeg
  • 2 tsp whole cloves, or 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, plus more to taste (we used 3/4 cup total)*
  • 10 to 11 cups water

Instructions

  • Core and roughly chop your apples (no need to peel). Place them in a large pot, at least 5 1/2 quarts. Quarter your orange and add it to the pot.
  • Add spices: cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add sugar and then pour in enough water to cover your fruit.*
  • Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium heat and lightly boil uncovered for 1 hour. Reduce heat to medium/low heat, cover, and simmer for another 2 hours. The juice should begin to turn amber in color when it's finished. Add more sugar and hot water to taste. It should be sweet and spicy.
  • Strain your cider through a fine mesh strainer or through a cheesecloth placed over a regular colander, into a large bowl or punch bowl. Squeeze to extract as much juice as possible and discard the fruit pulp. Serve hot.

Notes

If your pot doesn’t fit 11 cups of water, add the remaining water in later. Your mixture will be more concentrated and you can dilute it down with more boiling hot water after it’s finished.
*You can use your favorite sweetener such as honey, maple syrup, vanilla, or even granulated sugar and just add it to taste. 

Nutrition Per Serving

146kcal Calories38g Carbs1g Protein0.4g Fat0.1g Saturated Fat0.1g Polyunsaturated Fat0.03g Monounsaturated Fat0.001g Trans Fat17mg Sodium239mg Potassium5g Fiber31g Sugar131IU Vitamin A15mg Vitamin C44mg Calcium0.4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
146
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.4
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Trans Fat
 
0.001
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.03
g
Sodium
 
17
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
239
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
38
g
13
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
31
g
34
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
131
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
44
mg
4
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider, hot apple cider
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $7-$10 (Varies by Season)
Calories: 146

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Barbara
    November 13, 2023

    Hi, Natasha! Happy Thanksgiving season. I’ve been following you, have made several of your recipes and purchased your cookbook. Thanks! With this apple cider, how far in advance can I make it that it’ll still be delicious for Thanksgiving?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 13, 2023

      Hi Barbara! I’m glad you’re loving the recipes! See my note in the blog under, “storage” for instructions. Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

      • Barbara Polixa
        November 15, 2023

        Duh (lol). I’m looking forward to making and serving this treat.
        Thanks for your guidance.

        Reply

  • EM
    October 22, 2023

    The nutmeg- I have whole that I’ve used with my fine grater. Do you put a whole nutmeg in? Or grate it first?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 23, 2023

      Hi EM! You can do either one. When I don’t have whole nutmeg, I use a pinch of grated nutmeg seasoning.

      Reply

  • Mariya
    October 21, 2023

    It’s essentially like a kompot, except more concentrated. I don’t like the spices personally, but I love adding cranberries or some other fruits (pears, or plums, blackberries etc) for a different flavor.

    Reply

  • Linda Jensen
    October 21, 2023

    This sounds yummy!
    Instead of throwing away the pulp, take out the cinnamon sticks, use an Immersion blender and you have apple butter.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 21, 2023

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Linda.

      Reply

  • George
    October 5, 2022

    Hi new subscriber here.
    I made it I liked a lot. I have one maybe stupid question. Is any way to store it for longer period. My family loved it and I work a lot so if it’s any way to store it this will be helpful

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 6, 2022

      Hi George! That’s wonderful. I’m so glad your family loved it. We’ve kept it for 5 to 7 days, not any longer than that.

      Reply

  • K. L.
    October 17, 2021

    The season fall is not capitalized. Same with summer, winter, and spring.

    Reply

  • Oksana
    October 9, 2021

    Natasha, thank you soo much for your recipes – they are all perfect. Your instructions are so easy to understand and follow and I always come up with great taste and results. Apple cider is one of my favorite drink in fall because of you. I just wonder how long you can store it in the fridge. Thank you:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 11, 2021

      Hi Oksana, I would keep it for about a week, but remove all of the flavoring add-ins or it may get too strong tasting.

      Reply

  • Cheryl
    December 10, 2020

    This recipe is super easy to follow and the best part is that it actually tasted so good!!! I used the pulp to make apple butter so it’s really a win win!!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe ❤️

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 10, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Cheryl!

      Reply

  • Shannon
    December 9, 2020

    Can this be made in a large crockpot?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2020

      Hi Shannon, I have not tested that to advise. I bet you could keep it warm in a crock pot though!

      Reply

    • Natalie Edwards
      February 17, 2021

      It is usually sold with brandy. On a very cold day, brandy will warm you up. It can also be done in a crock pot and an instant pot.

      Reply

  • Natasha
    December 8, 2020

    Do you think this could be made in instant pot to cut down on cooking time?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 8, 2020

      Hi Natasha, that would be a good idea but I have not personally tried that process to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Katie
    December 5, 2020

    Looks so good! Can’t wait to try this one.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe, Katie!

      Reply

  • Jen
    December 5, 2020

    I’ve never tried making our own before. This would be so fun to do this weekend. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 5, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe, Jen!

      Reply

  • Lily
    December 5, 2020

    This cider was so good and easy to make, perfect for this time of year.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 5, 2020

      Isn’t it the best way to warm up! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Sandra
    December 5, 2020

    I am going to try this. If you were to add alcohol to this recipe what kind of alcohol would you add?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 6, 2020

      Hi Sandra, I haven’t tried adding alcohol yet to advise. Maybe others can share in the comments here if they have some recommendations?

      Reply

    • Maya
      December 9, 2020

      Hello Sandra, try to add some vodca.

      Reply

    • Valentina Makarevich
      December 23, 2020

      I have tried once apple cider with Fireball and it was great. I guess if you like whiskey you can add any of them. I probably will prefer cognac or rum.

      Reply

    • Natalie Edwards
      February 17, 2021

      It is usually sold with brandy. On a very cold day, brandy will warm you up.

      Reply

  • Sophie
    December 5, 2020

    The recipe for the cider was delicious! We have guests tomorrow and they will love this so much! Thank you Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 5, 2020

      You’re welcome! I hope you all enjoy this recipe!

      Reply

  • Tesha
    September 1, 2020

    Hie Natasha. Thanks a lot for your recipes. I want to know if the Honey apple cider is drank alone or it can be accompanied by something baked sweet or a savory?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 1, 2020

      Hi Tesha, you can both do that. It can be drunk alone or accompanied by something else like maybe bread or cake.

      Reply

  • Shayne
    February 22, 2020

    I love people who shares healthy recipe with others and inspire them to eat healthy. I am going to try this recipe myself. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 22, 2020

      You’re welcome Shayne! I’m so glad you discovered our blog & thank you for that thoughtful comment.

      Reply

  • Jen
    November 7, 2019

    I made this apple cider today and it turned out soo delicious! My house smelled amazing especially that it is the season. Thank you for this recipe, definitely will be making it again

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 7, 2019

      You’re welcome, Jen! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Sandra
    April 30, 2018

    Hi, can I use sugar instead of the honey. If yes, would it be the same amount?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 30, 2018

      Hi Sandra, as a general rule, for every 1 cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey. I would start with 1/2 cup of sugar and then add more adjusting to taste.

      Reply

  • Marie Lawton
    October 30, 2017

    I drink tea every morning. I wonder how long would it stay in the fridge and if I could reheat a cup every morning in place of my teas.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 30, 2017

      Hi Marie, I think this would be fine if refrigerated for 5 to 7 days. I haven’t kept it longer than that so I can’t speak to that.

      Reply

  • Nichole
    September 22, 2017

    Hello Natasha! I haven’t tried the recipe yet, I’m going to this weekend. I was curious though, would it be okay to poke the cloves into the orange? Its something my father has always done when warming up store bought apple cider. I don’t have a strainer so I was hoping this would be fine. Thank you for your time!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 23, 2017

      I love that idea!! Yes, I don’t see why not! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply

  • Jeena
    June 13, 2017

    Hi
    Can I serve it cold???

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 13, 2017

      Hi Jeena, we always have it warm, but I think that would work – I don’t see why not 🙂

      Reply

  • Luda
    November 21, 2016

    Hi, Natasha, do you think using a slow cooker would work for this recipe?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2016

      Hi Luda, I think that would work to use a slow cooker. You might tone down the spices or add them to taste since it may become overpowering the longer it sits in the slow cooker.

      Reply

  • Ally
    July 30, 2016

    Natasha, looks amazing! Thank you soooo much for sharing this awsome rcepies with us. It`s just pleasure to cooking with you recepies.
    Have just one question, how much ml in your cup? Thank you for response:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 30, 2016

      I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you!! 🙂 our 1 cup is 240ml

      Reply

  • Ketan
    September 30, 2015

    Nice and healthy juice.. Try to make it with organic fruits.. It will become more healthy.

    Reply

  • Lanie
    July 17, 2015

    If I wanted to use ground spices instead of whole, how much would you suggest I use?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 17, 2015

      I haven’t tried it with ground spices so I don’t want to guess. I’d say to add them to taste so you don’t overwhelm the cider with too much of any single spice.

      Reply

  • Cj
    October 27, 2014

    Congratulations on your selection as Foodista’s Drink Blog of the Day!

    I would to personally invite you to share your gorgeous food photos with us over at Food Foto Gallery . com – In September alone, we had 28,239 visitors to the site & there’s no complicated approval process like the big guys. Any photos related to food (that are not watermarked & of reasonable quality) are accepted & get posted automatically. Being a food blogger, myself, we also share our daily faves on social media, giving exposure to fellow foodies whenever we can.

    Let me know if you have any questions and hope to see you at the site … Cj 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 27, 2014

      Thank you so much :). I saw the feature and it was pretty exciting! I’ll let my husband know about your site. Thanks for the tip.

      Reply

  • Luba
    September 29, 2014

    Natasha,

    Do you know how long it can keep in the refrigerator? I am planning to make it for my baby shower, and thought it would be nice to make 2 portions of it, maybe a week or 2 ahead. Do you think 2 weeks is pushing it a little?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 29, 2014

      I think two might be pushing it a little. I probably wouldn’t push it past a week and a half. Congrats on the baby!! 🙂

      Reply

      • Luba
        September 30, 2014

        Thanks! Sounds good, I’ll probably make one batch the Sunday before, and another batch on one weeknight, the same week of the shower. Can’t wait!! I love this apple cider, and have been craving it for a while already. 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          September 30, 2014

          I hope you LOVE it! Your house will smell amazing 🙂

          Reply

  • Emily
    January 7, 2014

    you welcome

    Reply

  • Emily
    January 6, 2014

    I love all of your recipe, I tried doing soft cookies and is turned out AMAZING and you are the best baker in the whole world.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 6, 2014

      Oh Emily you are too sweet 🙂 I’m so glad you loved the cookies 🙂

      Reply

  • Julie
    November 5, 2013

    Where did you purchase the whole nutmeg? I’ve been looking for it and can’t find it.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 5, 2013

      I bought it at Fred Mayer store.

      Reply

  • Rachel Kruse
    October 25, 2013

    Muaaah. Honey & Apple sounds divine. I will be making these today! They sound delish!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 25, 2013

      Let me know how it turns out :).

      Reply

  • inna
    October 23, 2013

    Perfect use for all the apple we have stashed from the orchard. Cant wait to make it for our next holiday party. I bet it makes the house smell amazing:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 23, 2013

      It totally makes the whole house smell amazing! You have an orchard? I bet its beautiful. There’s something wonderful about being surrounded by fruit trees.

      Reply

  • Olga
    October 22, 2013

    Sounds like an awesome combination. I’ll have to give it a try. It’s especially beautiful and perfect for this time of year.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 22, 2013

      I couldn’t resist it either (obviously lol). It is such a cozy drink 🙂

      Reply

  • Olga
    October 22, 2013

    what food do you drink this with? just wondering. it looks great btw.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 22, 2013

      We just enjoyed it instead of tea in the evenings for three nights in a row. It was a nice Fall treat 🙂 If I was pairing it with anything, I’d choose desert or maybe a croissant 🙂

      Reply

  • Anita
    October 20, 2013

    Can I use ground instead of whole cloves and nutmeg or does it alter the taste?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 20, 2013

      I think you could but add it to taste and you probably won’t need as much. I’d still recommend the whole ones. If you use ground, you’ll want to strain the juice really well.

      Reply

  • Vita
    October 19, 2013

    Wow this looks amazing! Now I gotta go shop for the ingredients!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 19, 2013

      It tastes amazing as well :).

      Reply

  • Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg
    October 18, 2013

    This looks soo good! Love the photos as well.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2013

      Thank you! 🙂 I just checked out your blog; this is right up your alley! Allspiceandnutmeg.com 😉

      Reply

  • Olena@iFOODreal
    October 18, 2013

    Love the photo, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2013

      Thank you Olena :), it tastes as good as it looks.

      Reply

  • Inessa at GrabandgoRecipes.com
    October 18, 2013

    Perfect for this weather 😉 love it !!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2013

      It was quite a treat for the cozy Fall weather. We sipped on it for a few days. I love that it reheats really well.

      Reply

  • Nadia
    October 18, 2013

    Great recipe! I loooove apple cider!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2013

      We enjoyed every sip of it :).

      Reply

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