Gimme Some Oven

Homemade Apple Cider

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This delicious homemade apple cider recipe is super-easy to make in the Crock-Pot, Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s made simply with apples, warming spices, water, and your choice of sweetener. And it is so comforting and delicious.

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe | Stovetop, Crock-Pot or Instant Pot

Pssst, I’m going to let you in on my favorite cold-weather, holiday, ultimate-hygge entertaining tip. It’s these three simple words right here.

Homemade apple cider. 

If you’ve never tried making apple cider from scratch before, I can’t recommend it enough. First off, it is absolutely delicious, and tastes so much fresher than anything you can buy at the store. Second, it’s super duper simple to make in the Crock-Pot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. And when you make your own apple cider from scratch, you get to choose your sweetener and how much of it you add. Third, it’s the gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free drink that everyone at a gathering can easily enjoy. (Or of course, you’re also welcome to keep a bottle of bourbon or brandy nearby, if people would like to spike their cider.)

But I’ve gotta be honest, the main reason I love making apple cider is because it makes your home smell absolutely amazing.  Seriously, a warm pot of cider simmering on the stove will beat out your strongest fall candles any day. And especially when you’re wanting guests to feel extra cozy and welcome in your home on a chilly winter night, I’m tellin’ ya, this cider is like — poof! — instant hygge. It’s always the first thing my friends and family comment on when they walk in the door. And a steaming mug full is guaranteed to everyone up on even the chilliest of days.

So now that the snow is falling, and apples are in season again, it’s time, friends. Let’s make a batch!

Rainbow of Apples and Oranges | Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients:

So here’s the thing with apple cider — you’re welcome to make as large or small a batch as you’d like. I typically like to go big and fill my entire stockpot, Crock-Pot or Instant Pot. (And then save any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.)  But you’re also welcome to make a quarter batch in a small saucepan if you’d like. Whatever sounds good to you. ♡

In general, you will need (affiliate links included):

  • Fresh apples: As you can see, I enjoy making cider with a rainbow of apples. But feel free to use whichever varieties (or mix of varieties) that you love most. I recommend a mix of tart (i.e. Granny Smith) and sweet (i.e. Gala or Golden Delicious) apples.
  • Oranges: Fresh oranges are essential to giving cider its trademark citrusy flavor. That said, if you would like to reduce the tartness of this cider, you are welcome to peel the oranges before adding them to the cider.
  • Sweetener: Just about any kind of sweetener will work here. I typically use either maple syrup or brown sugar. And of course, please add whatever amount you prefer, to taste.
  • Warming spices: I typically add cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to my cider, plus maybe some whole allspice, nutmeg and/or fresh ginger if I happen to have it on hand. But if you only have dried powdered spices, those will work too!
  • Water: This will be the base of our cider.

You will also need:

Stovetop Apple Cider Recipe

How To Make Apple Cider On The Stovetop:

To make stovetop apple cider, simply:

  1. Combine your ingredients in a stockpot. Add the apples, oranges*, and spices to a large stockpot. Then cover with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the stockpot.
  2. Simmer. Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft.
  3. Mash the apples and oranges. Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the stockpot to release more of their flavors. Then cover and let the cider simmer a bit longer.
  4. Strain. Then, using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Then discard the solids (or save for smoothies or another use). This will probably take about 5 minutes.
  5. Sweeten. Then stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
  6. Serve warm. And then, your cider is all ready to go! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the stockpot for pretty serving. But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy.

Crock-Pot Apple Cider Recipe

Crock-Pot Apple Cider Instructions:

To make slow cooker apple cider, simply:

  1. Combine your ingredients in a 6-quart* slow cooker.  Add the apples, oranges, and spices to the bowl of a slow cooker. Then cover with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the slow cooker.
  2. Simmer. Cover and cook the apple cider on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the apples are completely soft.
  3. Mash the apples and oranges. Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the slow cooker bowl to release more of their flavors. Then cover and let the cider simmer a bit longer.
  4. Strain. Then, using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Then discard the solids (or save for smoothies or another use). This will probably take about 5 minutes.
  5. Sweeten. Then stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
  6. Serve warm. And then, your cider is all ready to go! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the slow cooker for pretty serving. But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy.

*Feel free to use a smaller (3.5 or 4-quart) slow cooker if you would like. Just halve the recipe.

Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe

Instant Pot Apple Cider Instructions:

To make pressure cooker apple cider, simply:

  1. Combine your ingredients in your Instant Pot. Add the apples, oranges, and spices to the bowl of your Instant Pot. Then cover with water until the level reaches the max fill line.
  2. Cook. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to “Sealing”, and cook on Manual for 25 minutes, followed by a quick release. Do not turn off the Instant Pot.
  3. Mash the apples and oranges. Once all of the steam has been released, remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Then, using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the Instant Pot to release more of their flavors. Cover and let the cider simmer a bit longer.
  4. Strain. Then, using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Then discard the solids (or save for smoothies or another use). This will probably take about 5 minutes.
  5. Sweeten. Then stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
  6. Serve warm. And then, your cider is all ready to go! For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the Instant Pot for pretty serving. But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy.

How To Make Apple Cider

Possible Variations:

There are all sorts of ways that you can mix things up with this apple cider recipe. For example, feel free to:

  • Use a chai tea bag: In place of the dried spices (or in addition to them), feel free to add in a chai tea bag or two to spice your cider.
  • Add in fresh ginger: I also love adding an inch of fresh ginger to my cider for an extra gingery kick.
  • Spike your cider: As mentioned above, feel free to serve your cider with a splash of bourbon or brandy or any other spirits that you might like to add.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe | Stovetop, Crock-Pot or Instant Pot

Homemade Apple Cider

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 44 reviews
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 190 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This delicious homemade apple cider recipe is easy to customize with your preferred type and amount of sweetener.  See notes above for Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and Crock-Pot (slow cooker) instructions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1012 medium apples (assorted types), quartered
  • 2 oranges, quartered (also peeled, if you would like your cider less tart*)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • optional extra seasonings: 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 whole nutmeg, and/or 1 inch fresh ginger
  • 16 cups water, more or less
  • 1/2 cup sweetener (I recommend brown sugar or maple syrup)

Instructions

  1. Combine your ingredients in a stockpot.  Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves and (optional) extra seasonings to a large stockpot.  Cover with water, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top of the stockpot.
  2. Simmer.  Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer.  Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft.
  3. Mash the apples and oranges.  Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, take a minute to mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the stockpot to release more of their flavors.  Then cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
  4. Strain.  Using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices.  Discard the solids.
  5. Sweeten.  Stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
  6. Serve warm.  Then, your cider is all ready to go!  For extra presentation points, I like to add a few fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks back to the stockpot for pretty serving.  But however you like to serve it, your cider is now ready to go and enjoy. Or feel free to let the cider cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed pitcher and refrigerate for up to 5 days.  Or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

*Oranges: Peeling the oranges first will reduce the tartness of the cider, if you would like.


Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe | Stovetop, Instant Pot or Crock-Pot

Share this Post

Leave a Reply

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

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

162 comments on “Homemade Apple Cider”

  1. I love this recipe. It’s been my Christmas Eve go-to for comfort two years in a row. I share it with anyone that wants to make cider.

    I’m visiting it again today on a cold day for some comfort, it’s just that good.






  2. Dear Gimmisomesprice;
    Hi,I am going to make your apple spice drink today in my kitchen.I only have 1 large orange,gala apples,chai tea,ground spices and cinnamon sticks.Can I still make your hot apple cider,or should I buy some extra tart apples then make your cider in my kitchen.
    Kim






  3. How many gallons does 3x this recipe make?

  4. Too much cinnamon :-(

  5. I’ve been making this recipe for about the last 4 years and each time keeps getting better that I free hand it to my liking and try adding a different spice to it.

  6. Delicious!

  7. Oh my word! Just made this in a pressure cooker, now my place smells like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Made this for a potluck for my team in the hospital. Some of these guys have never even heard of apple cider before! City folk I guess.






  8. I’m so excited to try this recipe! Does it do well if I make ahead of time and freeze it?

  9. What can you do with the pulp. Apple sauce?

  10. How long will this last before rotting

  11. does anyone know the calories for this ?

  12. Great recipe but rather than 1 tbsp of cloves I would recommend using 1 tsp. I used 1 tbsp as per your recipe and clove is the dominant flavor, over the other spices and even the apples.

  13. please list ingredients by weight

  14. Made this for the first time using apples from our tree. So easy and so good!






  15. We only had a surplus of one variety of apple and it still turned out wonderful! Thank you for the great recipe, not overwhelmingly sweet or too sour.






  16. The Orange makes it taste more tart and detracts from the apple taste. Would like to try it without, but I am currently disappointed with this recipe.






  17. I enjoyed every last drop






  18. Maybe 5 star. I may not know one apple cider from another but think this one’s delicious. I followed stock pot instructions with added 1″ fresh ginger, served warm at dinner party where it received more than a few compliments.






  19. Have you used the leftover apples for applesauce?






  20. Can you freeze this and use later

  21. Just wanted to report my findings! I made two batches, one in the pressure cooker and one in the slow cooker and in my opinion the batch from the slow cooker was better in every way – more body, better overall taste, more apple-y. I started the slow cooker in the morning and let it simmer away on low for probably 8-10 hours. As some others have said, making the cider isn’t difficult but definitely is a labor of love by the time all is said and done.

  22. Can you substitute whole oranges for orange juice if that’s all you have?






  23. The initial taste is super good but there is this very strong aftertaste that turned everyone i served this to away. It smells AMAZING though.






  24. I was looking for a spiced apple cider, specifically, and this fits the bill! This is so good and for me as a diabetic, I can control what goes in, and the spices in the apples makes it heavenly.






  25. Just made this with apples from my tree and it’s awesome! I used 1/2 Tbs of cloves recommended by another reviewer, I peeled half my oranges and left the peel on the other half. I’d love to try other spices like the ginger or chai.

  26. love it so yummy