How to Make Homemade Apple Cider — Warm, Spiced & Perfect for Fall

If fall had a signature drink, this would be it. Homemade apple cider — warm, cinnamon-kissed, and so easy to make. One pot on the stove and suddenly your whole sukkah smells like autumn.

Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Serves: 8–10 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 2–3 hours

Ingredients

• 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet + tart works best — e.g. Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith)
• 1 orange, quartered (optional but adds a lovely brightness)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries (or 1 teaspoon ground allspice)
• 8 cups water (or enough to cover the fruit)
• ½–¾ cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Roughly chop the apples (no need to peel or core). Place them in a large pot along with the orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
2. Add water until the fruit is fully covered — about 8 cups. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and fragrant.
4. Mash the fruit with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to release more flavor. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes.
5. Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or heatproof bowl. Press the solids gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp.
6. Sweeten to taste with brown sugar or maple syrup while still warm. Start with ½ cup and add more if you like a sweeter cider.
7. Serve hot with extra cinnamon sticks or dried apple slices as garnish.

Optional Variations

• Spiked Version → Add a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or cinnamon schnapps just before serving (maybe keep that for adults only).
• Slow Cooker Method → Toss everything into the slow cooker on high for 3 hours or low for 6–8. Mash, strain, and sweeten at the end.
• Make Ahead → Store strained cider in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.

This cider is warm, fragrant, and deeply fall — perfect for your sukkah on crisp nights, especially when paired with your toppings bar.