Apple Cider
Nothing beats a warm cup of homemade spiced apple cider on holidays. This would make a perfect Thanksgiving drink.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 red delicious apples
- 4 granny smith apples
- 1 orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 7-8 cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 litres water
Instructions
- Wash apples and orange and cut into slices.
- Into the slow cooker add apples, orange slices. Stir in cloves, cinnamon and allspice.
- Fill it up with 2 litres of water and cook on slow for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours smash the fruits with the potato masher and let it cook again for 30minutes on high.
- Turn off the cooker. Strain and serve warm.
Notes
• Apple Variety Matters
Using both Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples creates a balanced flavor—sweet, tart, and vibrant. If you want a deeper apple flavor, you can also mix in varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. • Don’t Peel or Core the Apples
Leaving the peels and cores on adds extra flavor and natural pectin, which helps give the cider body. Everything gets strained out at the end, so no need for extra prep work. • Adjusting Sweetness
This cider is naturally sweet from the apples and orange. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey at the end—little by little—until it hits the perfect sweetness. • Spice Strength Is Flexible
If you love bold holiday spices, add an extra cinnamon stick or a few more cloves. If you prefer a milder cider, reduce the cloves to 4–5. Whole spices are best because they slowly infuse without overpowering. • Mash Gently
When mashing the softened fruit at the 3-hour mark, press gently—just enough to release juices. Over-mashing can make the cider cloudy or pulpy, although it will still taste great. • Straining Options
For a clearer cider, strain twice: once through a colander to remove large bits, then again through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. For a rustic look and heartier texture, strain only once. • Serving Ideas
Serve warm with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a clove-studded apple wedge. It pairs beautifully with winter desserts like gingerbread, shortbread, or spice cake. • Keep It Warm for Gatherings
Hosting a Christmas or holiday party? Leave the cider in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Guests can serve themselves all evening, and your home will continue to smell amazing. • Storage Tips
Store the cooled cider in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Reheat gently—avoid boiling to preserve the bright fruit flavor. • Freezing
You can freeze cider! Cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and warm before serving. • Make It Adult-Friendly
If desired, spike individual servings with bourbon, rum, spiced rum, or brandy right before drinking. Don’t add alcohol directly to the slow cooker.
Using both Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples creates a balanced flavor—sweet, tart, and vibrant. If you want a deeper apple flavor, you can also mix in varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. • Don’t Peel or Core the Apples
Leaving the peels and cores on adds extra flavor and natural pectin, which helps give the cider body. Everything gets strained out at the end, so no need for extra prep work. • Adjusting Sweetness
This cider is naturally sweet from the apples and orange. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey at the end—little by little—until it hits the perfect sweetness. • Spice Strength Is Flexible
If you love bold holiday spices, add an extra cinnamon stick or a few more cloves. If you prefer a milder cider, reduce the cloves to 4–5. Whole spices are best because they slowly infuse without overpowering. • Mash Gently
When mashing the softened fruit at the 3-hour mark, press gently—just enough to release juices. Over-mashing can make the cider cloudy or pulpy, although it will still taste great. • Straining Options
For a clearer cider, strain twice: once through a colander to remove large bits, then again through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. For a rustic look and heartier texture, strain only once. • Serving Ideas
Serve warm with a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange, or a clove-studded apple wedge. It pairs beautifully with winter desserts like gingerbread, shortbread, or spice cake. • Keep It Warm for Gatherings
Hosting a Christmas or holiday party? Leave the cider in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Guests can serve themselves all evening, and your home will continue to smell amazing. • Storage Tips
Store the cooled cider in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Reheat gently—avoid boiling to preserve the bright fruit flavor. • Freezing
You can freeze cider! Cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and warm before serving. • Make It Adult-Friendly
If desired, spike individual servings with bourbon, rum, spiced rum, or brandy right before drinking. Don’t add alcohol directly to the slow cooker.
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