How to Make Apple Cider: A Simple Guide

Apple cider is one of the best ways to capture the essence of fall. Whether you're looking for a warm, spiced drink for chilly nights or a refreshing, crisp beverage to enjoy cold, homemade apple cider is easy to make and tastes delicious. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can enjoy the deep, rich flavors of this seasonal favorite. Here’s how to make your own apple cider at home.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples (8-10 medium): A mix of sweet and tart apples like Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji gives the best flavor.
• Spices: 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and 1 teaspoon of allspice.
• Sugar: Optional, depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference. You can use brown sugar or white sugar (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
• Water: 10-12 cups to cover the apples in your pot.

Instructions:

Step 1: Choose the Right Apples

The key to a good cider is balancing the sweetness and tartness of the apples. For best results, mix different types of apples. Sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji will complement the more tart Granny Smith apples.

Step 2: Prepare Your Apples

Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Quarter the apples; there’s no need to peel or core them because you’ll strain the solids later.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

Place the apple quarters into a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice to the pot, then cover the apples with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and allow the apples to cook for about 2 hours or until they’re soft and mushy.

Step 4: Mash the Apples

Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash them in the pot. This releases more juice and flavor from the apples.

Step 5: Strain the Solids

To separate the juice from the solids, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another pot or large bowl. Make sure to press down on the apple pulp to squeeze out as much juice as possible.

Step 6: Sweeten to Taste

At this point, you can taste your cider and decide if it needs sweetening. If you want a sweeter cider, stir in some sugar—start with 1/4 cup and add more if needed. You can also adjust the spices to your liking.

Step 7: Simmer (Optional)

If you want to develop a deeper flavor, return the strained cider to the pot and simmer for another 30-60 minutes. This will allow the spices to infuse even more into the drink.

Step 8: Serve and Keep Warm!

Your homemade apple cider is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple. If you prefer cold cider, let it cool and then refrigerate for a few hours. You can also freeze it for later use.

Pro Tip: If you’d like to keep your cider warm for guests or a cozy gathering, we recommend using a SYBO Coffee Urn. SYBO Kitchen's urn is perfect for keeping your cider hot and fresh for hours without worrying about burning it. With its heat and warm mode, it ensures your cider stays perfectly warm and ready to serve all day long.

Tips for Customizing Your Cider:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
• Citrus twist: Toss in orange slices or lemon peel for a brighter flavor.
• Alcoholic version: For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy.

Making apple cider from scratch is an easy and rewarding way to celebrate the fall season. Whether you sip it hot by the fire or enjoy it chilled with a meal, homemade cider always feels like a cozy, personal touch. Plus, the aroma of apples and spices simmering on the stove makes your whole home smell like autumn.