Apple Cider

INGREDIENTS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

– 10 to 12 medium apples cut into quarters (no need to peel or core), use a mix of varieties — Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, McIntosh, Jonathan, etc. – 2 large oranges – 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks 2- to 3-inches each – 1 tablespoon whole cloves or 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns – 1 gallon (16 cups) water filtered if possible – 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for serving – Bourbon or rum optional for serving; use 2 tablespoons per drink

1

In a very large stockpot, place the apples. Add oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices. Cover with the water.

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2

Bring the water to a rapid simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 2 hours, until the apples and oranges are completely soft.

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3

Remove the orange sections with the peels. Mash. Simmer for 1 more hour. Strain. Add sweetener. Serve warm or chilled.

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The best easy apple cider from scratch! Fresh apples simmered with warm spices a touch of orange, and maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.