Ingredients
Ingredients
- 9 medium apples (quartered)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Start by adding your quartered apples to a large stockpot or Dutch oven. There’s no need to peel or core the apples, as the simmering process will fully extract their flavor.
- Add ingredients and water: Pour in the 12 cups of water, then stir in the brown sugar, allspice, and cinnamon sticks to distribute the sweetness and spices evenly throughout the cider.
- Bring to boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat without the lid. Let the mixture come to a boil and bubble away for about 1 hour. This step softens the apples and intensifies the flavor profile.
- Simmer with lid: After boiling, cover the pot with the lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the cider simmer gently for 2 hours. This slow simmer allows the spices and apples to meld beautifully, filling your home with a delightful aroma.
- Cool and strain: Turn off the heat and allow the cider to cool for 10–15 minutes to make it safer and easier to handle. Then strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or jug, pressing the apple solids firmly to extract maximum juice.
- Store and serve: Pour the strained cider into clean glass jars or bottles. You can enjoy it immediately by gently warming it in a saucepan or microwave. Refrigerate any leftovers for later enjoyment.
Notes
- No need to peel or core the apples as the simmering extracts all flavors.
- Use a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for a clearer cider.
- Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheat gently without boiling to preserve flavor.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor combinations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
