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Homemade Spiced Apple Cider recipe by Joyful Balance.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider (Hot or Cold!)

Delaney Marie
This Homemade Spiced Apple Cider is the ultimate fall treat. Simple to make, and makes your house smell amazing! Enjoy this one hot or cold. Happy fall!
*Note that From Start to Finish is an estimate that includes time to prep your ingredients and follow the directions of the recipe. Most of this time is passive time while your apple cider is simmering.
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From Start to Finish3 hours 40 minutes
Servings12 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs apples (my favorite for this are Red Delicious) - core and seeds removed, roughly chopped
  • 1 large orange - cut into large slices (optional to remove peel, peel will give a slightly bitter flavor)
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks - (or 1.5 teaspoon ground)
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves - (or ¾ teaspoon ground)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice - (or 1.5 teaspoon ground)
  • 1 whole nutmeg - (or 2.5 teaspoon ground)
  • 12-16 cups water - (12 for stronger apple flavor, 16 for a slightly more diluted flavor)
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup - (or more or less to taste)

Instructions

  • Add your chopped apples, orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg to a large pot. Cover with your 12-16 cups of water.
  • Bring the pot to a boil on the stovetop.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, bringing the water to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 2 hours.
  • Using a wooden spoon (or a potato masher), mash the apples against the sides of the pot. This will release even more apple flavor. Allow to simmer for another hour.
  • Using a strainer over a large bowl, strain out the solid chunks and collect the apple cider in the bowl. Feel free to use a wooden spoon here to press the contents against the strainer to release all of the juices. Discard the solids.
  • Add pure maple syrup to taste (I think ½ cup is perfect, but will depend on personal preference!). Give it a taste test (once cool enough), If the flavor is stronger then you want then you can and add more water if desired to dilute the flavor.
  • Serve warm OR let it cool to room temperature, transfer to a large pitcher, refrigerate until cold, and serve cold. (If you used ground spices instead of whole, be sure to shake the pitcher before serving cold, or stir the contents of your mug before enjoying hot).

Notes

Note that while ground options for the spices are provided, it is recommended to use whole if you can! It will taste delicious either way, but using ground means you won't strain out all of the spices; so you will have to shake or stir your cider before drinking. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @joyfulbalanceofficial on Instagram and show the world your plant based creation!