There’s something so satisfying about making homemade apple cider from scratch, no fancy equipment, just a big pot, some apples, and a few pantry spices. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that fills your kitchen with the most incredible smell and gives you a jug full of golden, spiced goodness to sip or share.
This homemade apple cider is made by simmering fresh apples with brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and allspice until everything softens and melds together. Then you strain it out and you’re left with the kind of drink that feels a bit special, even though it’s incredibly easy to make.
You can drink it warm on a cool day, serve it chilled over ice, or even use it as a base for cocktails or mocktails.
If you’ve got a good amount of apples sitting around, this is such a fun way to use them up, and I promise it’s much simpler than you might think.
Another way I love to use apples is in my family’s favourite apple crumble and rhubarb apple crumble!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Apples: I used 9 medium apples, quartered (no need to peel or core). For the best flavour, I recommend using a mix of apples, ideally some sweet and some tart. To give your homemade apple cider a nice balance. Great sweet varieties include Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious. For a bit of tang, try Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn.
- Water: This makes up the base. If you’re after a slightly richer taste, you could swap 1–2 cups of the water for apple juice, but it’s lovely as is.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a gentle molasses flavour and sweetness. You can substitute white sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
- Ground allspice: A warm, fragrant spice that adds that classic mulled flavour.
- Cinnamon sticks: These bring a lovely depth and warmth to the cider. You could use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead, but I prefer sticks for a cleaner finish.
Recipe Tips
- Use what apples you have: There’s no need to be picky. A mix of sweet and tart gives the best result, but honestly, it’s very forgiving.
- Strain carefully: I like to double-strain mine through a mesh sieve for a smoother finish.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Taste the cider after straining. You can stir in a little more sugar or honey if you like it sweeter.
- Get ahead for gatherings: Make it the day before, store it in jars, and simply warm it up when guests arrive.
- Make it pretty: Try adding a cinnamon stick or thin slice of orange to each mug for a pretty touch.
Helpful Tools
Lodge 7.5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Buy Now →
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → How to Make Homemade Apple Cider
Step 1: Start by adding your quartered apples to a large stockpot or Dutch oven. No need to peel or core them.
Step 2: Pour in the 12 cups of water, then stir in the brown sugar, allspice, and cinnamon sticks.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil with the lid off. Let it bubble away for about 1 hour. This helps to soften the apples and deepen the flavour.
Step 4: After an hour, pop the lid on, turn the heat down to low, and let everything simmer for 2 hours. This is the part where your house will start to smell incredible!
Step 5: Once the simmering time is up, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to handle. Then carefully strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or jug. Press the apples down firmly to extract all that lovely cider.
Step 6: Pour the cider into clean glass jars or bottles. You can enjoy it right away, warmed up gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Apple Cider Variations To Try
- Citrus Twist: Add a sliced orange (peel and all) or a few strips of orange zest for a bright, fresh flavour.
- Maple Cider: Use pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
- Mulled Apple Cider: Add whole cloves, a star anise pod, and a few slices of fresh ginger for a festive, spiced version.
- Spiced Apple & Lemon: Toss in a few lemon slices or a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a little tang.
- Apple-Pear Cider: Use half apples and half pears for a softer, subtly sweet cider.
- Honey Cider: Stir in honey (instead of sugar) after straining for a more floral, natural flavour.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, homemade apple cider can be stored in glass jars or bottles in the fridge for up to 1 week. I like to reheat a little on the stove or in the microwave whenever I feel like a warm drink.
You can also freeze it. Just leave a little space at the top of the jar for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see! Tag @makylacreates on Instagram and leave a comment below!
Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 9 medium apples quartered
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cups water
Instructions
- Start by adding your quartered apples to a large stockpot or Dutch oven. No need to peel or core them.
- Pour in the 12 cups of water, then stir in the brown sugar, allspice, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring the mixture to a boil with the lid off. Let it bubble away for about 1 hour. This helps to soften the apples and deepen the flavour.
- After an hour, pop the lid on, turn the heat down to low, and let everything simmer for 2 hours. This is the part where your house will start to smell incredible!
- Once the simmering time is up, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to handle. Then carefully strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or jug. Press the apples down firmly to extract all that lovely cider.
- Pour the cider into clean glass jars or bottles. You can enjoy it right away, warmed up gently in a saucepan or microwave.
Notes
- For the best flavour, I recommend using a mix of apples, ideally some sweet and some tart. To give your homemade apple cider a nice balance. Great sweet varieties include Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious. For a bit of tang, try Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn.
