What are apple ciders?

You know what it’s called, but not what it is. You’ve seen it in stores and supermarkets. You’ve seen people purchase it but you’ve never used it.

Some even believe it’s apple juice, but the fact is Apple cider is different from Apple juice.

Apple ciders are drinks made from pressed apples. Apple ciders are unfiltered and less processed, while apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, and clearer because the apple solids are taken out.

This version of apple cider is more of a tea. Something you can make and take at home whenever you feel like it. A delicious combination of fruit and spice flavors.

Easy Apple Cider Recipe from Scratch

You would need a batch of fresh apples. It’s advisable to get different varieties like Fiji, Gala and Honey crisp apples for this recipe.

With these varieties, you don’t need to add any sweeteners since they are naturally sweet.

But in a case where you choose to use sour apples, a little honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar to the final product can give you that kick of flavor.

Ingredients

– 10 apples.

– 1 orange.

– 2 cinnamon sticks.

– 1 dash ground nutmeg.

– 1 dash ground clove (or 4 whole cloves)

– 1 gallon of filtered water.

– 3 tbsp of maple syrup or honey to taste (optional)

Equipment:

– Crock pot (or instant pot).

– Strainer.

Instructions:

– You need to prep the ingredients.

– You need to wash, peel and slice the apples and oranges.

There are two methods to this recipe

1: The slow cooker method

• Add the sliced apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and water to the slow cooker.

• Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours (overnight works great).

• Strain out the fruits and spices with a cheese cloth or a fine mesh strainer.

• Add some maple syrup or honey to taste if desired. 

• Serve warm or cold with an optional cinnamon stick for garnish. 

2: Instant pot method

• Add apples, oranges, spices, and water to the instant pot, filling just below the max line.

• Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual or high pressure for 15 minutes.

• Allow natural release for 20 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

• Strain and add some maple syrup or honey to taste if desired.

Nutrition 

Warm and cold apple ciders have similar nutrition. Temperature doesn’t change it.

Per 1 cup (240 ml):

Calories: 120

Carbs: 30g

Sugar: 24g

Vitamin C: 2–4% DV

Potassium: 250 mg

Fiber: 0–1g

Fat and Protein: 0g

Warm ciders may have added spices like cinnamon, adding antioxidants but little calorie change.

How to serve

You can serve in smaller cups. Either serve it warm or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist.

Speaking of twists, you could also make these ciders even better with a touch of butter.

It sounds unusual? true. But butter makes most things better. You’ll never know until you try it.
Try out this recipe and treat yourself to deliciousness.