Hot Apple Cider - 2 Ways
It’s hard to beat the inviting aroma and delicious flavour of hot apple cider on a cold, wet day. Whether you want to take the time to make it with whole apples and simmer it on the stove or in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, or you want to save the mashing and straining by using apple juice or pre-made apple cider as your base, we have you covered with two versions of the recipe.
Ingredients
Hot Apple Cider (using whole apples)
10 - 12 medium apples (assorted), cut into quarters
1-2 oranges, quartered (peel first if you want a less tart taste)
4 cinnamon sticks
1 Tablespoon whole cloves
Additional spices (optional): 1 tsp whole allspice, 1 whole nutmeg, 1 inch of peeled fresh ginger
4 litres water
¼ cup (or more to taste) of preferred sweetener. We like maple syrup.
Hot Apple Cider (the easier way)
Ingredients:
4 litres apple juice or apple cider
1 orange, quartered
3 cinnamon sticks
4 star anise
1 Tbsp whole cloves
1 Tbsp whole allspice
1” ginger root, sliced
Directions
If using whole apples, combine all ingredients and simmer on a stovetop for at least 2 hours (or 5 - 6 hours in a slow cooker; adjust accordingly for Instant Pot). Then mash all the ingredients and strain through a cheesecloth. Serve warm and garnish if desired.
If starting with apple juice or apple cider, simply add all ingredients to a pot, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 2 - 3 hours. Remove fruit and spices and serve warm with a garnish if desired.