Cozy Autumn Apple Cider
Experience the warmth of fall with this delightful homemade apple cider, inspired by cherished memories of my mother's kitchen. Using fresh, wrinkled apples that are still bursting with flavor, this non-alcoholic cider is a great way to celebrate the season and make use of your apple harvest. The combination of sweet and aromatic spices creates a comforting beverage perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or simply enjoying with friends and family. Serve it warm for a soothing treat or chill it for a refreshing autumn sip. It's versatile enough to suit everyone's taste, whether you prefer it plain or embellished with a touch of caramel, whipped cream, or even marshmallows!
8
Servings
100
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
8-10 (quarter (do not peel or remove seeds))
sugar
1/2-1 cup (to taste)
cinnamon
4 tablespoons or 4 cinnamon sticks (wrap in cheese cloth)
allspice
4 tablespoons (wrap in cheese cloth)
Instructions
1
Begin by quartering the apples, keeping the skin and seeds intact for a richer flavor.
2
In a large stock pot, add the quartered apples and cover them completely with water.
3
Stir in your desired amount of sugar, adjusting to your taste preference.
4
Bundle the cinnamon and allspice in a doubled-up cheese cloth, tie securely, and immerse it in the pot.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat, stirring occasionally for about an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle.
6
After an hour, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for an additional two hours, checking occasionally.
7
Once the simmering time is complete, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
8
Remove the spice bag from the pot and use a potato masher to mash the apples into a thick pulp.
9
Pour the mixture through a strainer set over a large bowl, letting most of the juice drain out.
10
For the remaining pulp, gather it in a doubled-up cheese cloth and squeeze over the bowl until no juice remains.
11
For a smoother cider, strain the juice with an extra layer of cheese cloth to catch any remaining solids, or leave it as is for a rustic texture.
12
Store the cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze portions for future enjoyment.
13
To enjoy, reheat the cider in the microwave or on the stovetop. Serve it plain or enhance it with caramel syrup, whipped cream with cinnamon, marshmallows, or marshmallow crème for extra decadence.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
27g
Carbs
0.125g
Protein
2.75g
Fiber
15g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cozy Autumn Apple Cider?
Cozy Autumn Apple Cider is a homemade, non-alcoholic beverage made from fresh apples, sugar, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and allspice.
Is this apple cider alcoholic?
No, this is a non-alcoholic recipe, making it perfect for family gatherings and people of all ages.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need 8 to 10 apples for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples before cooking?
No, you should keep the skin on as it helps provide a richer flavor and color to the cider.
Should I remove the seeds from the apples?
No, you can keep the seeds intact while quartering the apples for a fuller flavor profile.
What spices are used in this cider?
This recipe uses 4 tablespoons of cinnamon (or 4 cinnamon sticks) and 4 tablespoons of allspice.
How should I prepare the spices for the pot?
Bundle the cinnamon and allspice in a doubled-up cheesecloth and tie it securely before immersing it in the pot.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 cup of sugar, which you can adjust based on your personal taste preference.
How long does the cider need to boil?
The mixture should be brought to a vigorous boil for about one hour, stirring occasionally.
How long should the cider simmer?
After boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for an additional two hours.
What should I do with the apples after simmering?
Once the pot has cooled slightly, remove the spice bag and use a potato masher to mash the apples into a thick pulp.
How do I extract the juice from the apple pulp?
Pour the mixture through a strainer into a bowl, then gather the remaining pulp in cheesecloth and squeeze it to extract all the juice.
How can I make the cider have a smoother texture?
For a smoother cider, strain the juice a second time using an extra layer of cheesecloth to catch any remaining solids.
Can I use wrinkled apples for this recipe?
Yes, wrinkled apples that are still bursting with flavor are perfect for making this homemade cider.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this cider?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How long can I store the cider in the refrigerator?
The cider can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I freeze this apple cider?
Yes, you can freeze portions of the cider for future enjoyment.
What is the best way to reheat the cider?
You can reheat the cider in the microwave or on the stovetop until it reaches your desired temperature.
What are some recommended toppings for the cider?
Popular toppings include caramel syrup, whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon, marshmallows, or marshmallow creme.
Is there any fat in this apple cider?
No, this cider contains 0g of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 15g of sugar in each serving of this apple cider.
Does the cider contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2.75g of fiber.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 27g of carbohydrates.
Can I serve this cider cold?
Yes, while it is soothing when served warm, it is also a refreshing autumn treat when chilled.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Beverages.
How much protein is in the cider?
The cider contains a trace amount of protein, approximately 0.125g per serving.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
The process is straightforward, involving boiling, simmering, mashing, and straining, making it accessible for most home cooks.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by cherished memories of the creator's mother's kitchen during the fall season.
Can I leave the cider rustic with some pulp?
Yes, if you prefer a rustic texture, you can skip the final fine straining through cheesecloth.