Apple Cider Recipe (Stovetop + Slow Cooker) (2024)

Apple Cider is a fragrant and delicious spiced apple drink made from apples, oranges, spices, water, and optional sweetener. Learn how to make this super-easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe in the slow cooker or on the stovetop and enjoy all winter long.

There’s no denying my love for apples. From homemade applesauce to savory pork chops with apples, autumn is would not be complete without this familiar fruit taking over our dining tables at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, dessert.

Today I’m sharing how to make my favorite warm and toasty homemade apple cider. Delicious warm, or cold, and always amazing with a splash of bourbon, it also makes your house smell like a freshly baked apple pie.

Making your own apple cider is probably a lot easier than you’re thinking, but it does take a little time. So if you’re in a hurry, it’s probably best to plan ahead before making this recipe.

Fortunately, you only need a handful of pretty simple ingredients (like apples!), some citrus, optional spices (like nutmeg, cinnamon, whole allspice), and water. Added sweetener is optional, so feel free to make your cider as sweet (or unsweet) as you’d like.

And, after you’ve made a big batch of this beautiful cider, don’t forget to use it to make slow cooker apple cider pulled pork!

Ingredients

This particular recipe makes approximately 16 cups of homemade apple cider. Fortunately, you can make as much (or as little) as you would like. You’ll need:

• Apples – Fresh apples are an absolute must. I like to go to the market to pick out a variety of different apples of all different colors. Feel free to use just one type or a variety.
• Oranges – Oranges add a nice citrus flavor characteristic to apple cider. Add an extra orange slice or two with each warm cup of cider for a little extra sweetness.
• Spices – Spices add an extra depth of flavor and complexity setting it apart from simple apple juice. I like to add whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries. Feel free to leave out the spices if you prefer.
• Sweetener – Adding sweetener is completely optional. I like to add a touch of sugar, but not so much that I can no longer taste the fresh apple flavor or warming spices. My favorite sweetener is brown sugar, but feel free to add maple syrup, agave, granulated sugar, or honey.
• Water – The cider base.

Best Apples for Hot Apple Cider

In this particular apple cider recipe, I added a mix of different apple varieties.

• Sweet – Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Cortland.
• Acidic/Tart – Jonathan, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, McIntosh.

How to Make Apple Cider

How to Make Stovetop Apple Cider

1. Transfer all of the chopped apples, oranges, and spices to a large stockpot. Fill with water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 1-2 hours, or until apples are soft and mushy.
3. Use a potato masher to mash the apples with the orange and spices. Return to a simmer over low heat and cook for an additional 1-2 hours.
4. Remove from heat and allow some time to cool before straining. Strain the mashed up fruits through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Taste. Add additional sweetener, if desired.

How to Make Crockpot Apple Cider

To make spiced apple cider in the slow cooker you will need a7-quart slow cooker,potato masher, and afine-mesh strainerorcheesecloth. Given that the volume of the slow cooker is smaller than a large stockpot,I recommend cutting the recipe amount in half.

1. Transfer the apples, oranges, and spices to the bowl of a large crockpot. Cover with water, leaving approximately 1-inch of space at the top of the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours (or until the apples are completely mushy).
3. Mash everything together using a potato masher.
4. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 hours over low heat or 1-2 hours over high heat.
5. Turn off the heat and carefully strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
6. Taste. Add additional sweetener, if desired.

See Also

Tom & Jerry Batter - Classic Recipe & History - Vintage American co*cktailsBest Venezuelan Ponche Crema RecipeThe Perfect Bloody Mary RecipeEasy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients

Possible Variations

Here are a few easy variations to this classic cider recipe,

• Add alcohol: add apple cider to sangria or other mixed co*cktails. For something fast and easy, add a splash of champagne for an apple cider version of the mimosa.
• Chai-tea: No whole spices like cinnamon or cloves? Chai tea makes a great alternative. Steep 1-2 tea bags (or more), to taste.
• Add some cranberries: Apples and cranberries practically scream fall. Add some cranberries and adjust the sweetness to taste.
• Add some vanilla: You don’t need a lot of vanilla. Just a teaspoon or so.

How to Store Leftover Apple Cider

This recipe makes a lot. Drink it, cook with it, or save it for later!

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled cider to glass jars with fitted lids. Transfer to the refrigerator and use within 5 days.
• Freezer: Transfer cooled cider to glass jars with fitted lids. Fill approximately 3/4 of the way, leaving enough room for expansion when frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator. Warm, gently, on the stovetop, if desired.

More Apple Recipes to Try,

• Crunchy Beet and Kohlrabi Slaw with Apples
• Turmeric Salad with Apples and Acorn Squash
• Fried Apples Recipe (How to Make Fried Apples)
• Autumn Rosé Sangria with Apples and Pomegranates
• Pear and Apple Fall Sangria Recipe
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Have you tried this Apple Cider Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me#theforkedspoononInstagramif you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.