There is something truly magical about a warm mug of cider on a crisp day, and this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe takes that cozy feeling to a whole new level. Made from fresh apples, whole spices, and a touch of natural sweetness, this cider captures the essence of autumn in every sip. It’s rich, fragrant, and so deeply comforting that you’ll want to share it with everyone you love. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet so layered with flavor that it becomes an instant favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a quiet night by the fire.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect cup of homemade spiced apple cider. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the natural sweetness of the apples, the bright citrus notes from the oranges, or the warming spices that make this cider irresistible.

10 to 12 medium apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples adds complexity and depth to the cider’s flavor.
2 large oranges: Their zest and juice brighten the cider and cut through the sweetness.
4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (2- to 3-inches each): Classic warming spice that delivers a fragrant, inviting aroma.
1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves): Adds a subtle punch of spice for a balanced, cozy taste.
Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns: Customize the spice profile to your liking for added warmth and complexity.
1 gallon (16 cups) water (filtered if possible): The base that carries all the delicious flavors together.
½ cup pure maple syrup (or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste): Natural sweeteners that enhance the cider without overpowering it.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A smooth finish that rounds out the spices.
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks: Perfect for garnishing and making each serving feel special.
Bourbon or rum (optional, 2 tablespoons per drink): For warming up adult gatherings with a spirited kick.

How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and cutting your apples and oranges. Quarter the oranges and carefully remove the peel from one orange, leaving the peel intact on the other. This contrast allows the peel’s oils to infuse during simmering while also contributing fresh citrus flesh to the mix. Place all the apples, orange quarters, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and your choice of optional spices into a very large stockpot.

Step 2: Add Water and Simmer

Pour in the gallon of filtered water, ensuring you leave about 1 ½ inches of space at the top of the pot to prevent boiling over. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, lower the heat to maintain a gentle bubble, cover the pot, and let everything soften and mingle for about 2 hours. This slow simmer allows all those wonderful flavors to emerge fully.

Step 3: Mash the Fruit

After your simmering, remove the orange sections with the peels and discard them; the peel has done its job infusing flavor. Keep the peeled oranges in the pot. Using a sturdy potato masher or wooden spoon, gently mash the softened fruit against the bottom of the pot. This step releases even more juice and intensifies the cider’s depth. Then, simmer uncovered for one more hour to thicken and deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Strain the Cider

Once your cider has reached its flavorful peak, pour the entire pot through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot. Press firmly on the solids to squeeze out every last drop of liquid gold. The pulp is discarded, leaving you with a smooth, robust spiced cider that’s ready for finishing touches.

Step 5: Sweeten and Finish

Return the strained cider to the pot and stir in your maple syrup or brown sugar along with the vanilla extract. Warm the cider gently while stirring to fully dissolve the sweeteners. Taste it and add more sweetener in small increments if you like it sweeter. Your Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe is now ready to be served warm or chilled, tailored perfectly to your preference.

How to Serve Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes like fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick instantly upgrades the look and aroma of your cider. These not only make the drink more festive but also release subtle hints of their flavors into each cup as you relax and sip. It’s a small touch that truly brings the cider experience to life.

Side Dishes

This spiced cider pairs wonderfully with cozy baked treats like cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, or even sharp cheddar cheese on a crusty slice of bread. The warm spices in the cider complement these flavors perfectly, making your snack or meal feel indulgent and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your cider in clear mugs or mason jars to show off the rich amber color. For a festive touch, rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar or float a star anise on top. During holiday gatherings, add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version that feels special and celebratory. Presentation truly makes the experience unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cider, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days, and the flavors often deepen as it rests. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to reunite all those wonderful spices.

Freezing

You can freeze homemade spiced apple cider in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and be sure to give it a good strain again if any sediment forms during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat your cider slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors harmoniously blended. Avoid overheating to maintain the smooth taste and prevent any bitterness from the spices.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this cider?

Absolutely! Combining sweet apples like Fuji or Gala with tart ones like Granny Smith gives your cider a well-balanced flavor. Experiment with what’s local and fresh for the best results.

What if I don’t have whole cloves or cinnamon sticks?

If you only have ground spices, use about a quarter of the amount called for whole spices, and add them at the end of simmering to avoid an overly intense, bitter flavor.

Can this cider be served cold?

Yes, chilled spiced apple cider is refreshing and delicious, especially on warmer days. Just refrigerate it well and serve over ice with fresh fruit and spices for garnish.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you opt for maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey, which isn’t in this recipe anyway. It’s perfect for everyone to enjoy.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Feel free to add more or less of the optional spices like nutmeg, star anise, or black peppercorns based on your taste. Starting mild and tasting as you go prevents overpowering the apple flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making your very own Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that brings instant warmth and joy to any occasion. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with every sip. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for creating comfort and celebration all year round. So grab those apples, fill your pot, and prepare to delight in a timeless classic made entirely by you.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider from Scratch Recipe

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4.2 from 295 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Homemade Spiced Apple Cider recipe is a cozy, comforting beverage perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings. Made from fresh apples, oranges, and warming spices, it simmers gently on the stovetop to develop rich flavors. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or brown sugar, this cider can be enjoyed warm or chilled, with optional bourbon or rum for an adult twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

10 to 12 medium apples
2 large oranges

Spices

4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (2- to 3-inches each)
1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns

Liquids & Sweeteners

1 gallon (16 cups) water (filtered if possible)
½ cup pure maple syrup (or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving (Optional)

Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
Bourbon or rum (2 tablespoons per drink, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Quarter the oranges and remove the peels from one orange while leaving the peel on the other. Gather the apples, orange quarters, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices.
Combine Ingredients in Stockpot: Place the apples, orange quarters (both peeled and unpeeled), cinnamon sticks, cloves, and optional spices into a very large stockpot. Pour in the water, ensuring you leave at least 1 ½ inches of space at the top to accommodate simmering. Adjust the amount of water if using a smaller pot.
Simmer the Cider: Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2 hours or until the apples and oranges are completely soft and tender.
Mash the Fruit: Remove the orange sections with peels on and discard them, keeping the peeled orange sections. Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened fruit at the bottom of the pot, releasing more flavor into the cider. Continue simmering the mixture uncovered for an additional hour to deepen the flavors and reduce the cider slightly.
Strain the Cider: Pour the cider through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot. Press down firmly on the fruit solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the leftover solids.
Sweeten and Finish: Optionally return the strained cider to the pot. Stir in the maple syrup or brown sugar and vanilla extract. Warm gently over low heat while stirring to blend the flavors. Taste the cider and adjust sweetness by adding more sweetener one tablespoon at a time if desired.
Serve: Serve the spiced apple cider warm or chilled. Garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum per drink if you want an adult version.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
The simmering time allows flavors to meld – don’t rush this step.
Adjust sweetness gradually to fit your taste preference.
Optional spices such as nutmeg, star anise, allspice, and black peppercorns add complexity but can be omitted.
Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Rewarm gently before serving to avoid boiling off flavors.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or rum.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American