You can easily make apple cider from apple juice with this Amish Recipe for Homemade Hot Apple Cider. By gently simmering apple juice with warm spices, you can turn something simple into a cozy, homemade spiced apple cider that's full of warmth and flavor.
As it gently simmers, the sweet scent of cinnamon and cloves fills your kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This comforting apple cider is the perfect drink to warm up with on cool autumn evenings or to share with loved ones during the holidays.
Jump to:
- Easy Hot Apple Cider
- Ingredients
- Crock Pot Mulled Apple Cider
- How to Make Cider from Apple Juice - on the Stovetop
- Straining the Spices
- Can I Use Ground Spices to Make Apple Cider?
- What Can I Do With Leftover Hot Cider?
- How Long Does Leftover Hot Cider Last?
- Apples and Spices
- More Amish Beverage Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
Easy Hot Apple Cider
This hot spiced apple cider recipe is a breeze to make. Whether you decide to make it in a large pot on the stovetop or simmer it in the crockpot for a few hours, it's hassle-free. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll soon have a delightful warm drink ready to be savored.
Ingredients
- Apple Juice: The base of your hot spiced cider, providing sweetness and the main apple flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Adds a warm and sweet spice flavor to the cider.
- Allspice Berries: Contribute a blend of flavors reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise, enhancing the overall spiciness.
- Whole Cloves: Provide a strong and pungent flavor, adding depth and warmth to the cider.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste by balancing sweetness and intensifying other flavors in the mix.
- Orange Slices: Bring a citrusy and bright note to complement the richness of the apple and spices, adding a refreshing twist to the flavor profile.
I find this apple juice cider sweet enough without extra sugar. However, if you prefer a sweeter spiced cider, feel free to add a little bit of brown sugar to the apple juice.
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Crock Pot Mulled Apple Cider
It's easy to make apple cider in the crockpot. Simply add the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, spices, and orange slices to the crockpot and let it simmer on low for approximately three to four hours. Feel free to taste test for your spice preference. The longer it is mulled the stronger the flavors will be.
I love making this apple cider recipe in the crockpot, especially when I have family over for the holidays. I prepare the juice with spices in advance, and as we're enjoying a family game, we can all sip on the warm and flavorful cider while creating lasting memories together.
After simmering, I filter out the spices. And since the heat is very low, I can leave it on to keep the cider warm, allowing us to have more whenever we want.
Straining the Spices
Whenever making homemade hot cider, I typically set a strainer on top of the cups and ladle the cider into the cups through the strainer to remove the spices.
There are different options for managing the spices in the cider. One approach is to run a strainer through the cider in the pot, which catches the spices and allows for easy removal.
Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler method without the need for straining, you can place the cloves and allspice into a tea bag before adding them to the apple juice. If you don't have any loose-leaf tea bags, another option is to enclose the spices in a coffee filter and secure them with a piece of thread.
Can I Use Ground Spices to Make Apple Cider?
Ground spices contain the same flavor as whole spices and could be used to make apple cider. They would be convenient to use since they don't require any straining or removal before serving. They also release their flavors more quickly than whole spices, infusing the cider with a robust and immediate taste.
However, ground spices may leave fine particles or sediment in the cider, affecting its clarity and texture. This can be undesirable for those who prefer a clear drink without a gritty texture.
Personally, I don't enjoy drinking cider with lots of spices floating around in my cup, so I prefer using whole spices.
Tips for Making Cider When Using Ground Spices:
- Use a spice infuser, looseleaf tea bag, or cheesecloth to contain ground spices and make it easier to strain them out before serving.
- Experiment with the quantity of ground spices to find the right balance and avoid overpowering the cider.
What Can I Do With Leftover Hot Cider?
Leftover hot cider can be refrigerated for later consumption. Let the cider cool, then store it in the refrigerator.
I often save my empty apple juice bottle and pour the cooled leftovers back into the jug. You can either enjoy it cold or reheat it.
How Long Does Leftover Hot Cider Last?
The shelf life of leftover hot cider in the fridge depends on various factors, including how it was stored and whether any contaminants were introduced. In general, leftover hot cider should be refrigerated promptly and consumed within 3-5 days for optimal safety and quality.
Here are some guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Always refrigerate leftover hot cider within two hours of serving, to slow down bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Store the cider in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator and to maintain its flavor.
- Inspect for Signs of Spoilage: Before consuming, visually inspect the cider for any changes in color, texture, or odor. If you notice mold, an off-putting smell, or any unusual characteristics, it's best to discard it.
- Taste: If the cider smells fine and looks okay, give it a taste. If it has an off or sour flavor, it's a sign that it may have spoiled.
- Use-By Date: If you're uncertain about the freshness, consider the date when the hot cider was initially prepared as a reference. Consume it within 5 days from that date.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Always use your best judgment and prioritize safety when determining whether to consume leftover hot cider.
Apples and Spices
There is something so warm and comforting about the scent of apples and spices. Not only is the aroma delightful, but the taste is equally amazing!
I love baking with apples, whether it's apple dumplings, baked apple goodie, apple cake, or apple pie. The combination of fall spices with apples is truly enchanting!
More Amish Beverage Recipes
The comforting aroma and soothing warmth of spiced apple cider create a delightful experience for the senses. I hope you enjoy this Amish recipe for non-alcoholic hot apple cider made from apple juice.
If you try this recipe, I'd love it if you left a comment and star rating below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe Card
Spiced Apple Cider From Apple Juice Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple juice
- 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 orange, cut into slices
Instructions
- Pour everything into a crockpot and put orange slices on top.8 cups apple juice, 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 orange, cut into slices
- Cover and cook on low for 2 - 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavors will be.
- If desired, you can make this apple cider in a large pot on the stovetop. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Strain the spices before serving.
- Cool and refrigerate any leftovers.
Anna
Delicious!
Conni
Sorry, my above message was supposed to go under the hamburger stuffing casserole. Thanks
Anna
I'm sorry, I guess I never added the amount of bread slices. There's a difference in bread though, some slices are smaller than others. Therefore I gave the measurement rather than how many slices. Cut up a few slices at a time and put the cubes into a quart measuring container. Recipe asks for one and one-half quarts. Don't pack it in, but also make sure there's not lots of empty space. It doesn't take very many slices to fill a quart.
Conni
How many slices of bread do you use? 1 and 1/2 quarts? Love your shoofly pie, how about one for Montgomery pie?
Thanks and have a great day.
Anna
How many slices of bread do I use for what??
Conni
Sorry, the comment went with the wrong page. It was supposed to go with the recipe for hamburger stuffing casserole. Thanks