Description
A cozy nonalcoholic cider made from sweet and tart apples, orange, whole spices, and brown sugar. This beginner-friendly stovetop recipe needs no apple press and can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
10 medium apples, preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties
1 medium orange, peeled and separated into sections
4 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
12 cups water
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, plus more to taste if needed
Instructions
1. Wash the apples, cut away damaged spots, quarter them, and remove the cores. Leave the skins on. Peel the orange and separate it into sections.
2. Place the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice in an 8-quart stockpot. Add 12 cups water.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
4. Mash the softened fruit with a potato masher or sturdy wooden spoon.
5. Cover and gently simmer for 1 additional hour.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot or heat-safe bowl, gently pressing the solids. Strain again through cheesecloth for a clearer drink, if desired.
7. Stir 1/3 cup brown sugar into the warm cider. Taste and add more, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.
8. Serve warm, or cool promptly and refrigerate before serving chilled.
Notes
A half-sweet, half-tart apple blend creates balanced flavor.
Peel the orange fully to avoid bitterness from the rind and white pith.
The yield varies depending on apple size, evaporation, and how firmly the fruit is pressed.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg