RECIPE: Homemade Hot Apple Cider and the Science Behind It

There’s something magical about the scent of hot apple cider wafting through a home. And though it’s tempting to just grab a jug from the store, making your own cider is a worthwhile experience.

A Brief History of Cider in the States

Apple cider was popular in Colonial America because it was safer to drink than water. It was almost always fermented, due to lack of refrigeration. Non-alcoholic apple cider emerged in the late 1800s when pasteurization made it more feasible to produce and store it safely. 

Fermentation is the defining difference. When making hard cider, yeast is added (or wild yeasts are allowed to work) to convert sugars into alcohol. The end result is a beverage similar to beer or wine in strength (4–7% ABV).

The fermentation-free version ultimately gained popularity during the Temperance Movement and Prohibition when alcohol was banned and orchards promoted “sweet cider.” This is close to the apple cider we know and love today. 

Making It At Home

Use a blend of sweet and tart varieties for a complex, nuanced flavor. Example: Honeycrisp and Empire apples balance the bright acidity of Granny Smiths and Pink Ladies. 

After a rough chop, put the apples in a large stockpot with warming spices. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are non-negotiable. I also add fresh ginger and orange.

Add enough water to cover the top by two inches. Heat on high until it reaches a simmer, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. 

Let it simmer for about 2 hours. Your home will smell amazing as the apples break down and the spices bloom.

Once the apples are very soft, use a wooden spoon to mash them against the pot, and simmer for another hour.

The same method works with a slow cooker. The only difference is the cooking time. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Now the cider is ready to be strained. Use a fine mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the solids. At this point, you can stir in sweetener like brown sugar or maple syrup.