Hot Apple Cider Recipe

A cozy, naturally sweet cider made with fresh apples, warm spices, and citrus. Perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings.

Prep time: PT5M

Cook time: PT480M

Total time: PT485M

Rating

4.09 stars (24 reviews)

Ingredients

10 apples ((sliced))
1 orange ((sliced))
2 cinnamon sticks
1 dash ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves ((or 4 whole cloves))
1 gallon filtered water
3 TBSP maple syrup ((or honey, optional, to taste))

Steps

Slow Cooker Method
- Add the sliced apples, sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, and water to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (overnight works great).
- Strain out the fruit and spices with cheesecloth 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.
Instant Pot Method
- Add apples, orange, spices, and water to Instant Pot, filling just below the max line.
- Lock lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/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.

Nutitrion

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 65 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
Sodium: 13 mg
Sugar: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.11 g

Reviews

Sandra on 2022-12-25 (2 stars):
I followed this exactly. I used red delicious, honey crisp & honey bee apples. It was horrible. Tasted super watered down & bland. I could taste the spices. The apple barely came through. I added a bit more spices. It didn’t help. It needs more apple flavors. As it cooled down it tasted a bit better, but still no apple flavor.
Danielle on 2019-10-11 (1 stars):
This was pretty gross. I even cut the orange in half because I read that could make it more bitter. It was bitter even after adding sugar. Super bummed. The house smelled nice though! No one finished their cup, all got dumped. :(
Attila on 2019-03-14 (4 stars):
I wouldn't call this "cider" , it is more a "kompot" without leaving the cooked fruits inside. It looks good anyway, I may try it after I make real Apple cider. Cheers!
Jade Gallagher on 2017-12-21 (2 stars):
I was really disappointed with this recipe, it is not correct at all. There is far too much water, I only used a quarter of what the recipe stated and I was left with a watery bland soup. I would also recommend not putting an entire orange in as the pith is what makes this recipe bitter. I removed the orange zest with a peeler and took off any remaining pith and put this into the cider then juiced the orange. Great idea to make in a slow cooker though
Sandra D on 2017-11-09 (4 stars):
Hi, I just made this recipe and... something went wrong, I made it in the slow cooker last night, this morning I was so excited to have my apple cider but it was like just apple water, and a little bitter, how can I make it right?