Making apple cider at home doesn’t require a fancy apple press. With just a few simple steps and common kitchen tools, you can create delicious, fresh apple cider right in your own kitchen. This homemade cider is perfect for enjoying during the fall season or whenever you’re craving a cozy, refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp works best)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (ground or 2-3 cinnamon sticks)

• 1 tablespoon cloves (whole)

• 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)

• Sugar or honey to taste (optional)

• 8-10 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples

• Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them into quarters. There’s no need to peel or core the apples—leaving the skin and seeds helps add flavor and natural pectin to the cider.

2. Simmer the Apples

• Place the quartered apples in a large pot and cover them with water (about 8-10 cups, depending on how much cider you want).

• Add the cinnamon, cloves, and allspice berries for flavor. You can also adjust the spices to your liking or add nutmeg for a spicier flavor.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. As the apples cook, they will soften and release their juice, and the spices will infuse the liquid.

3. Mash the Apples

• After simmering, use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash the softened apples in the pot. This helps release more juice and flavor into the cider.

• Let the mashed apple mixture simmer for another 30 minutes to extract all the juices.

4. Strain the Cider

• Once the apples have fully cooked down, remove the pot from the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or another pot and slowly pour the apple mixture through it.

• Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp against the strainer to extract as much juice as possible.

• If you want your cider to be clearer, you can strain it a second time through a finer strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids.

5. Sweeten to Taste

• After straining, taste the cider. If you prefer a sweeter cider, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.

• If you’d like, you can return the cider to the heat and warm it up again before serving.

6. Serve and Store

• Serve your homemade apple cider warm, or let it cool and enjoy it chilled. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cider for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

• Orange slices: Add a few slices of orange while simmering for a citrusy kick.

• Vanilla extract: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and warmth.

• Ginger: Add fresh ginger slices or ground ginger for a spicy note.

Conclusion

Making apple cider at home without a press is easier than you might think. With a mix of fresh apples, spices, and a little patience, you can enjoy homemade apple cider that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you like it warm and cozy or chilled and refreshing, this cider is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples.