Homemade Apple Cider

This cozy apple cider recipe tastes incredible — and it'll make your house smell like fall while it's cooking!

Apple Cider Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make the best homemade apple cider of your life:

• Apples: Of course, you'll need apples for homemade apple cider!
• Water: Use just enough water to cover the quartered apples.
• Sugar: Sweeten things up with ¾ cup white sugar.
• Spices: This homemade apple cider is spiced with cinnamon and allspice.

Best Apples for Cider

The best apple variety for cider depends on your taste preferences. If you like sweet cider, opt for a sweeter type like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, try something like McIntosh or Pink Lady. Still not sure what you're looking for? You can get the best of both worlds by using a blend of sweet and tart apple varieties.

How to Make Apple Cider

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this flavorful apple cider:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a stockpot.
2. Boil for one hour, then simmer for two hours.
3. Strain the mixture at least twice.

Nicole's Top Apple Cider Tricks

When given the choice between apple cider and hot chocolate, culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) says she'll choose apple cider every time. Here are a few of her favorite tips and tricks for making the cozy drink:

• Don't worry about removing the apple cores, as all the solid bits will be strained out at the end. You also shouldn't peel the apples. That skin will add color and flavor to the homemade apple cider, according to Nicole.
• Make sure to press the cooked apples with the ladle while you're straining them to get out every last bit of juice.
• You can strain the apple cider into a pitcher to serve cold or into another pot if you want to serve it hot.

How to Store Apple Cider

Store the leftover apple cider in a tightly covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can either can the cider or freeze it.

How to Freeze Apple Cider

Pour the cooled apple cider into freezer-safe containers in serving-size portions. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the liquid will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to one year.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I put all the ingredients into a Crock-Pot," says Lyssa Julia. "Set it to low and it cooked for 12 hours while I was at work. Came home and the whole place smelled like fall. I served it with bourbon. Highly recommend that last step."

"This recipe was great!" raves Thelovelycleo. "This cider turned out fabulous and it was easy to make. Delicious cold or slightly warmed. I would recommend that you strain twice with a strainer then once with cheesecloth. I used a variety of apples mostly from my fridge that were starting to wrinkle. This recipe is a keeper!"

"Good recipe, but you are seriously missing out if you don't save the excess apple for apple sauce," according to James Brako-McComb. "Just stick it in a blender and add a few teaspoons of sugar to taste and you're done!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams