*This post may contain affiliate links, please read full disclosure here.
Fresh apples, warm spices, and a splash of citrus come together in the happiest way when a pot of homemade Apple Cider starts bubbling on the stove. The aroma alone feels like a gentle reset — clean, cozy, and inviting without being too heavy.
This version focuses on natural flavors: real apples, whole spices, and just enough brown sugar to round everything out. The orange adds a bright note that keeps the cider lively and crisp, making it perfect for fall gatherings, slow afternoons, or anytime you crave a warm drink with a refreshing twist. Ready to make a batch that tastes as good as it smells? Keep going — you’re about to love how simple this is.
Why You’ll Love It
- Uses real apples — no concentrates or shortcuts.
- Naturally bright and citrusy, thanks to the orange.
- Perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and freshness.
- Easy one-pot recipe with minimal prep.
- Makes your whole home smell like fall.
- Great for gatherings, cozy nights, and holiday hosting.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Flavor profile: Fresh apple, warm spice, bright citrus
- Why it works: Whole spices and real fruit simmer slowly for deep, natural flavor
What You’ll Need for this Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 5 sweet apples (about 910 g), chopped
- ½ orange (about 65 g), quartered, peel on
- Optional: Small strip of lemon zest
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (6 g)
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries (7 g) or 1 teaspoon ground allspice (2 g)
- 5 cups hot water (1.18 liters)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
Tools
Prep & Cook
Step 01
Wash and rinse the apples and orange, then roughly chop them — no peeling or coring needed.
Step 02
Add the fruit, spices, brown sugar, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Mash the softened fruit, then simmer for 30–45 minutes more.
Step 03
Strain the apple cider through a fine strainer or coffee filter into a clean bowl or pitcher and discard the solids.
Step 04
Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Rimming the glass mugs with sugar adds a lovely finishing touch.
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
- Mix different apple varieties for deeper flavor.
- Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
- For a clearer cider, strain twice.
- Adjust sweetness at the end as needed.
- Cider reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
This fresh Apple Cider pairs beautifully with some of our coziest recipes:
Put Your Spin on It
- Skip the sugar or sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
- Add a pinch of ginger or a slice of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
- Add more citrus with extra orange peel.
- For a festive twist, add a star anise pod.
- Chill and pour over ice for a refreshing version.
Tasty Thoughts
Homemade Apple Cider has a way of making even an ordinary afternoon feel a little more special. It’s warm without being heavy, cozy without being one-note, and fresh enough to sip more than once. If fall had a signature drink, this would be it — simple, comforting, and endlessly sippable.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just want something soothing to sip while the day unwinds, this recipe is one you’ll come back to all season long. And once you taste how lively and bright homemade cider can be, the store-bought version won’t stand a chance.
Common Questions
Can I make this apple cider in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook everything on LOW for 6–7 hours, mash the fruit, then cook 1 hour more before straining.
Can I freeze homemade Apple Cider?
Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months — thaw overnight and reheat gently.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Can I use different apples?
Any apples work — sweeter ones make sweeter cider, while tart ones add brightness.
Can I reuse the spices?
Whole spices can be reused once more for a lighter second batch.
Nutrition Note
Curious about calories or carbs for this Apple Cider? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist.
Print
Easy Homemade Apple Cider for Cozy Evenings and Fall Gatherings
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and refreshing homemade Apple Cider made with real apples, warm spices, and a touch of citrus.
Ingredients
- 5 apples (910 g)
- 1/2 orange (65 g)
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves (6 g)
- 1 tbsp allspice (7 g) or 1 tsp ground (2 g)
- 5 cups water (1.18 L)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 g)
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Wash and rinse the apples and orange, then roughly chop them — no peeling or coring needed.
- Add the fruit, spices, brown sugar, and water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Mash the softened fruit, then simmer for 30–45 minutes more.
- Strain the cider through a fine strainer or coffee filter into a clean bowl or pitcher and discard the solids.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Rimming the glass mugs with sugar adds a lovely finishing touch.
Notes
Mix different apple varieties for deeper flavor.
Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
For a clearer cider, strain twice.
Adjust sweetness at the end as needed.
Cider reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
These nutrition values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: America
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
Keep Cooking With Us
Try these next:
Happy Cooking!
🧡Mary and Fabi
