This Homemade Apple Cider is the perfect drink for fall and the holiday season. A simple stovetop cider version made with a mix of apples, orange, lemon, cranberries infused with warm cinnamon and cloves. Gluten-free, paleo-friendly, refined sugar free and can be easily Whole30.
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Updated October 2020
Homemade Apple Cider Recipe
Looking for a healthy and cozy fall drink? This Homemade Apple Cider is full of cozy fall spices and is a delicious way to use up some autumn fruit you have in your kitchen. I just love the combination of apples, orange, cranberries during the holidays. And when you infuse them with those warm spices, it’s going to make your house smell absolutely amazing.
This easy cider comes together easily on the stove and makes your house smell absolutely amazing! And if you’re looking for more ways to make this easy apple cider, we also love this Instant Pot Apple Cider and Crockpot Apple Cider.
Grab a warm mug and cuddle up with a cozy blanket by the fireplace on a chilly October or November afternoon. Or add some caramel and whipped cream for a dessert drink.
Or if you’re planning for the holidays, no holiday party is complete without a festive drink to sip on. Homemade apple cider is a classic favorite and tastes amazing whether you serve it hot or iced.
Why we love this mulled cider recipe
This healthy apple cider is not only delicious, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo and if you leave out the sweetener, is also Whole30 compliant.
If you’ve never made homemade apple cider, you definitely have to try it! For the sake of convenience, I absolutely support buying a big gallon of apple cider from the store. But if you’re making it for a party or the holidays, this homemade stovetop version is a sure way to impress all of your friends, family and any guests.
Ingredients you need for this healthy and cozy drink
- Apples – we like to use a mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Gala
- Orange – washed (peeled or unpeeled – we prefer peeled since it’s less bitter) and cut into slices or segments
- Lemon – washed (peeled or unpeeled – we prefer peeled since it’s less bitter) and cut into slices or segments
- Whole Cranberries – use fresh or frozen
- Spices: Cloves, Cinnamon Sticks & Star Anise
- Sweetener: feel free to use your favorite sugar or sweetener. We like pure maple syrup but coconut sugar, granulated maple sugar, honey, brown sugar or any low carb sweetener you like. Leave out for Whole30.
How to make Apple Cider on the Stovetop
This easy apple cider starts off with a mix of your favorite variety of apples, an orange, lemon and cranberries.
Wrap up some cinnamon cloves and a star anise into a cheesecloth and then just simmer away on your stovetop for 30 minutes or so.
- ADD FRUIT TO LARGE STOCKPOT OR CAST-IRON DUTCH OVEN: Place the apples, orange, lemon and cranberries into large stockpot. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise (if using) and pour enough water to cover the fruit.
- COOK: Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are soft.
- MASH FRUIT: Use a potato masher to mash all fruit to release more of their juices and flavors. Cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
- STRAIN: Carefully strain the solids from the liquids using a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids and store cider in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for later use.
- ADD SWEETENER: Stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
- SERVE warm or cool to room temperature.
Cider Variations
Want to mix things up depending on your mood or special occasion.
- Leave out the lemon and oranges for a sweeter more concentrated apple flavor.
- Not a fan of cloves? Leave it out and add a slice of ginger.
- Don’t have a lot of time? Use apple juice or other fruit juices instead and infuse them with the cinnamon and cloves.
- Serving this at a party for adults? Add a splash of your favorite spirits such as bourbon or brandy.
Apples to use for Homemade Apple Cider
We like to use a variety of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Honeycrisp, Granny Smith and Gala but you can use any other variety you like. For a sweet apple cider, use Pink Lady, Cortland or Fuji.
Storage Instructions
The great thing about apple cider is you can make it ahead of time and store it in a large jug in your fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer instructions:
Want to freeze your apple cider? Pour into an ice cube tray mold and freeze until solid. Then transfer the ice cubes to a large resealable bag to add to your cold drinks or thaw until ready to enjoy!
More apple cider recipes you might like:
Paleo Apple Cider Donut Muffins
This Homemade Apple Cideris the perfect drink for fall and the holiday season. A simple stovetop cider version made with a mix of apples, orange, lemon, cranberries infused with warm cinnamon and cloves. Gluten-free, paleo-friendly, refined sugar free and can be easily Whole30.
- 6-7 6-7 medium apples , washed, cored and cut into quarters (a mix of Granny Smith, Honey Crisp & Gala)
- 1 medium orange , (washed, peeled and cut into segments)
- 1 lemon , washed, peeled and cut into segments)
- 1/2 cup whole cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 1/2 star anise
- water - enough to cover fruit
- 3 Tbsp sweetener of your choice , coconut sugar, maple syrup, granulated maple sugar etc. (use less or more to taste) - omit for Whole30
Place the apples, orange, lemon and cranberries into large stockpot. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise (if using) and pour enough water to cover the fruit.
Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer on medium-low for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are soft.
Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon, to mash all fruit against the side of the stockpot to release their juices and flavors. Cover and simmer for 1 more hour.
Carefully strain the solids from the liquids using a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids and store cider in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for later use.
Stir in your desired amount of sweetener, to taste.
Serve warm or cool to room temperature.
