Nothing feels better than a warm drink on a cold day. This Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe is cozy and full of fall flavor. It smells sweet and spicy while cooking.
You only need simple items from your kitchen. This drink is perfect for family time and holidays. Many people love this Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe because it tastes natural and fresh.
In this post, I will show How to make Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider at home. You will also learn the best Ingredients for Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this cider on a rainy evening. The house smelled amazing. Apples and spices filled the air. Everyone kept asking when it would be ready. The taste was warm and gentle. It was not too sweet.
It felt homemade and real. I now make it every winter. This recipe never fails. It always brings comfort and smiles. I enjoy serving it to guests. They always ask for the recipe.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Drink
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer
- Measuring cups
Ingredients You Need for Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
- 8 medium apples, chopped
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Apples
Wash apples well. Chop them into chunks. No need to peel them for this recipe.
2. Add Ingredients to Pot
Place apples, orange slices and spices into a large pot. Add water and stir gently.
3. Start Cooking
Heat the pot on medium heat. Let it come to a slow boil.
4. Simmer Slowly
Lower the heat. Simmer for forty minutes. Stir sometimes to mix flavors well.
5. Mash the Fruit
Use a spoon to mash apples gently. This helps release more juice and flavor.
6. Strain the Cider
Pour mixture through a strainer. Press fruit lightly to extract all liquid.
7. Sweeten and Finish
Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
8. Serve Warm
Pour cider into mugs. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste.
Tips to Make the Best Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
- Use fresh apples for best flavor.
- Mix sweet and tart apples.
- Simmer slowly, never rush the cooking.
- Taste before adding extra sugar.
- Serve fresh for best aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using old or soft apples.
- Boiling too hard for long time.
- Adding too much sugar early.
- Skipping the straining step.
- Overcooking the spices.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cider hot in cozy mugs. Add a cinnamon stick on top. You can also add orange slices for garnish. It pairs well with cookies and cakes.
This drink is perfect for evenings, parties or quiet nights at home. Kids and adults both enjoy it.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cider in the fridge for three days.
- Use airtight container for freshness.
- Reheat on stove over low heat.
- Do not boil while reheating.
- Stir well before serving again.
Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 medium apples chopped
- 1 orange sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Wash apples well. Chop them into chunks. No need to peel them for this recipe.
Add Ingredients to Pot
- Place apples, orange slices, and spices into a large pot. Add water and stir gently.
Start Cooking
- Heat the pot on medium heat. Let it come to a slow boil.
Simmer Slowly
- Lower the heat. Simmer for forty minutes. Stir sometimes to mix flavors well.
Mash the Fruit
- Use a spoon to mash apples gently. This helps release more juice and flavor.
Strain the Cider
- Pour mixture through a strainer. Press fruit lightly to extract all liquid.
Sweeten and Finish
- Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Serve Warm
- Pour cider into mugs. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste.
Notes
- Use fresh apples for best flavor.
- Mix sweet and tart apples.
- Simmer slowly, never rush the cooking.
- Taste before adding extra sugar.
- Serve fresh for best aroma.
FAQs about Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
Can I make this cider without sugar?
Yes, you can skip sugar completely. Sweet apples give natural sweetness. Taste first before deciding.
Which apples work best for this recipe?
A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Try Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith together.
Can I make this cider in a slow cooker?
Yes, add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for four hours for deep flavor.
Is this cider good for kids?
Yes, this recipe has no alcohol. It is safe and loved by children.
Can I freeze leftover apple cider?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers. Leave space for expansion. Thaw and reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe is simple and comforting. It uses easy steps and real ingredients. Anyone can make it at home.
Now you know How to make Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider easily. Keep these Ingredients for Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider handy.
Make this drink part of your cold-day routine. It brings warmth, joy, and homemade goodness to every cup.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
