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Homemade Apple Cider

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 10 medium apples, mixed sweet and tart varieties
  • 1 medium orange, peeled and quartered
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 10-12 cups water, or enough to barely cover fruit
  • ¼–½ cup brown sugar or pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt, optional

Method
 

  1. Prep the Fruit
    Wash and quarter the apples. Leave the skins on, remove the cores if desired, then peel and quarter the orange.
  2. Fill the Pot
    Add the apples, orange, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and salt to a large pot. Pour in enough water to barely cover the fruit.
  3. Simmer
    Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours, until the apples are very soft.
  4. Mash the Apples
    Remove the orange pieces, then mash the softened apples with a potato masher or wooden spoon until pulpy.
  5. Simmer Again
    Simmer uncovered for another 30–60 minutes, depending on how strong you want the cider.
  6. Strain
    Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the apple pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Strain again through cheesecloth for a smoother cider.
  7. Sweeten to Taste
    Stir in ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup, taste, and add more as needed. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice if the cider needs more brightness.