Growing up in Connecticut, I always looked forward to trips to the cider mills for fresh apple cider, donuts and other apple treats. I use apple cider in many of my fall recipes and I’m often asked how to make apple cider at home. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Making it with a slow cooker makes it even easier so you don’t have to watch the stove for 3-5 hours. If you have a fall party planned then make this big batch a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy it hot or cold or in cocktails like a fresh autumn margarita.
Tools and Ingredients You Will Need
Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need to make apple cider from scratch:
- Slow cooker or large pot (if you prefer the stovetop method)
- Knife and cutting board
- Potato masher or wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mugs
Ingredients include apples, an orange, warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, optional brown sugar, and plenty of water.
What Is Apple Cider?
Apple cider is different from apple juice, even though they both come from pressed apples. Juice is usually filtered, pasteurized, and clear in appearance, while cider is typically unfiltered and may be cloudy, with a more robust flavor. When you make apple cider at home, you’re essentially creating a spiced, infused apple drink by slowly cooking apples, citrus, and spices together until the flavors meld together. Unlike store bought versions, homemade cider lets you control the sweetness and spice level to your exact preference.
When Are Apples in Season?
Apple cider tastes best when it’s made with fresh apples. In the United States, apple season typically runs from late August through October, with peak harvest in September. Depending on the region, you may still find fresh, local apples into November. However, grocery stores carry apples year-round, so you can technically make this recipe any time you crave it.
What Kind of Apples to Use
One of the best parts of homemade cider is the flexibility in apple choice. Using a blend of sweet and tart varieties creates the most balanced flavor. Here are some suggestions:
- Sweet apples: Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious
- Tart apples: Granny Smith, Jonathan, McIntosh
- Well-balanced cider apples: Cortland, Braeburn, Jonagold
A mix of 6–7 sweet apples with 3–4 tart apples usually works well. If you prefer cider on the tangier side, use more Granny Smiths. For a sweeter cider, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
What Is a Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker, sometimes called a Crock-Pot (the most popular brand name), is a countertop appliance that cooks food slowly at a low, steady heat. It’s perfect for recipes that benefit from long cooking times, like soups and stews. The convenience of making cider in a slow cooker is that you can set it, forget it, and let the flavors gently infuse for hours without supervision.
Don’t have a slow cooker? No problem. You can make apple cider on the stovetop instead. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook on low for about 2 hours. The stovetop method is faster, but you’ll need to stir and monitor it more closely.
Do I Need Sugar?
Adding sugar to apple cider is optional. Apples already contain natural sweetness, and depending on which varieties you use, you may find that no extra sugar is needed. A little brown sugar can add more depth and richness. You could also stir in maple syrup or honey after cooking for sweetening.
How to Drink Apple Cider
Apple cider is versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- Hot: Serve it straight from the slow cooker, warm and fragrant, with a cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Cold: Strain and chill the cider in the fridge for a refreshing fall beverage.
- Spiked: For adults, add a splash of bourbon, rum, brandy, or whiskey. Warm cider cocktails are a great for Halloween parties.
How Long Can I Store It?
Homemade apple cider doesn’t contain preservatives, so it should always be refrigerated. Once strained and cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
How To Make A Slow Cooker Apple Cider
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Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 apples chopped (about 3–4 pounds)
- 1 orange sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar optional
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 3 –5 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tablespoon whole cloves
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Wash and chop the apples into quarters (no need to peel or core them). Slice the orange into rounds.
- Place apples, orange slices, brown sugar (if using), allspice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the water, covering the fruit and spices.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the apples are very soft.
- Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the fruit, releasing more flavor.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pot or pitcher, discarding the solids.
- Taste the cider and add more sweetener if desired.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker or refrigerate for later use.
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