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Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

This spiced apple cider is made by simmering fresh apples, cinnamon, and other aromatic ingredients in water to extract their flavors. The final beverage has a warm, amber color with a fragrant, cozy aroma, and a smooth, lightly pulpy texture from the cooked fruit that can be strained for clarity.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples preferably organic, sliced
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks cinnamon sticks for warm spice flavor
  • 3 cloves whole cloves cloves add fragrant depth
  • 1 lemon lemon squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • to taste sugar or honey for sweetness—adjust as desired

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Fine sieve or strainer

Method
 

  1. Combine sliced apples, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a large pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered.
  3. Allow the cider to simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, until the apples are soft and the aroma is rich and spicy.
  4. Use a fine sieve or strainer to carefully strain the liquid into a separate bowl or pot, pressing lightly to extract more flavor from the solids.
  5. Stir in your preferred amount of sugar or honey while the cider is still warm, tasting as you go to achieve the desired sweetness.
  6. Squeeze in a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor if desired, then give it a gentle stir.
  7. Pour the hot spiced apple cider into mugs, letting the warm aroma waft up with each pour.

Notes

Feel free to adjust spice levels or sweetness to suit your taste. For a clearer cider, strain extra pulp and fruit solids thoroughly. Serve hot for maximum cozy comfort.