Comforting Honey Apple Cider Recipe
Indulge in the warmth and flavor of homemade honey apple cider with this simple recipe. Start by simmering fresh apples, aromatic spices, and water on the stovetop until tender. Sweeten to taste with raw honey for a touch of richness and floral notes. Strain and serve piping hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for extra flair. Each sip is a celebration of fall's bounty and a cozy embrace of the season's essence.
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized apples preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties
- 8 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raw honey adjust to taste
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly, core them, and cut them into quarters or chunks.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and mash the apples with a spoon to release their juices and flavor.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the raw honey until it dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more honey if necessary.
- Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cider to remove the solids, such as apple chunks and spices. Press down on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Pour the strained honey apple cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. Optionally, garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple.
- Serve the cider warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall! Alternatively, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for a refreshing cold version. Serve over ice cubes if desired.
Notes
- Sweetening Options: While raw honey adds a delightful flavor to the cider, you can also use alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave syrup if preferred. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
- Mashing Technique: Mashing the apples with a spoon during simmering helps to release their juices and infuse the cider with flavor. For a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to further break down the softened apples before straining.