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Apple Cider (Spiced Stovetop)

Apple cider made with a low-simmer method, where unpeeled apples break down into a naturally spiced, golden-amber drink. Simmered for hours, then mashed and strained for a smooth, flavorful cup with cinnamon, star anise, and orange.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apples
  • 12 medium apples Mix sweet and tart varieties (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith), quartered.
Cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cinnamon sticks Plus more for serving.
Whole cloves
  • 10 whole cloves
Star anise
  • 4 star anise
Orange
  • 1 orange Sliced; plus extra slices for serving if desired.
Water
  • 4 cup water Plus more to cover the apples in the pot.
Brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar or maple syrup Adjust to taste.
Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Simmer the spiced cider
  1. Do not peel or core the apples; keep the skins and cores for added color and natural pectin.
  2. Place the apples, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and orange slices into a large pot.
  3. Add enough water to cover the apples (add more if needed), then bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to maintain an uncovered low simmer for 2 hours, until the apples are very soft and the liquid is flavorful.
Mash, finish, and strain
  1. Mash the apples with a potato masher, then simmer for 30 more minutes.
  2. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the pulp to extract all the liquid.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup and vanilla extract, then taste and adjust sweetness.
  4. Serve warm with cinnamon sticks for garnish.

Notes

Pro tip: keeping the apples unpeeled and uncored helps the cider turn deep amber and more naturally thick from pectin. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days; rewarm gently on the stovetop. Freezing is yes—freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. If you want it less sweet, start with 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup and adjust after straining.