Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients

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 Step - 1

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.

step - 2

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.

step - 3

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.

step - 4

Strain your cider through a fine mesh strainer or through a cheesecloth placed over a regular colander, into a large bowl or punch bowl. 

step - 5

Squeeze to extract as much juice as possible and discard the fruit pulp. Serve hot.