Homemade Apple Cider (Small Batch)

Homemade Apple Cider: A Taste of Autumn in a Glass

As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade apple cider wafting through your home. The warmth it brings to your soul is synonymous with the coziness of my favorite season: Fall!! Fortunately, making your very own Homemade Apple Cider is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this delightful beverage right in the comfort of your home. So, let’s start putting those apples to good use!

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need a surprisingly simple list of ingredients to make this apple cider recipe come to life:

• 6 cups water
• 4 apples, core removed and sliced into quarters
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• ¼ cup brown sugar

How to make a small batch of Homemade Apple Cider

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by preparing your apples. Core them and slice them into quarters. You can use any variety of apples, but a mix of sweet and tart apples works best for a balanced flavor.

2. Mix with Spices: In a large pot, add the sliced apples, water, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients will infuse your cider with a rich, warm flavor. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

3. Bring to a Simmer: On high heat, bring the mixture to a rapid simmer until it starts to bubble. You’ll then reduce the heat to low, cover your pot and let it simmer for about an hour. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the apples to soften.

4. Mash the Apples: After simmering, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash the apples in the pot. This will release even more of their juices and flavors.

5. Continue to Simmer: After smashing the apples, cover your pot again and let your apple cider simmer for at least 1 more hour to ensure as much flavor as possible is infused into the liquid.

6. Strain: You’ll then strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass jar that can hold at least 3-4 cups of liquid. This will remove any solids, resulting in a smooth, velvety cider. Feel free to squeeze the large chunks of apples as you strain to extract as much flavor as possible out of them.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Homemade Apple Cider is now ready to be served. Pour it into your favorite mug or glass, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple for a delightful presentation. The taste is sweet, aromatic, and comforting.

8. Storage: If you want to keep any leftover apple cider for later, make sure to let it cool down completely at room temperature first. You can then store it in an airtight jar in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.

A Small Batch Delight

This Homemade Apple Cider recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a small batch of this delightful beverage, making approximately 3-4 cups worth. It’s an ideal choice for an intimate gathering or a cozy evening by the fireplace. The scent alone will transport you to a cozy, rustic apple orchard.

So, the next time you find yourself craving the essence of fall, don’t reach for store-bought cider. Instead, make your own Homemade Apple Cider and savor the warmth and nostalgia it brings. It’s a delightful experience that will have you coming back for more. Happy cider-making!

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More Apple Recipes:

1. Homemade Raw Applesauce
2. Caramel Apple Cupcakes
3. Cinnamon Apple Pancakes

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