Ingredients
Fruits
- 8-10 apples, quartered (variety preferred: Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith)
- 2 oranges, quartered and peeled (for less tart cider)
Spices
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cloves, more to taste
Liquids and Sweetener
- 7-8 cups water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Quarter the apples and oranges, peeling the oranges to reduce tartness. Gather cinnamon sticks and ground cloves.
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the quartered apples, peeled oranges, cinnamon sticks, and ground cloves into the crockpot. Pour in 7-8 cups of water, ensuring the fruit is just barely floating with the water about an inch below the top. Stir to mix the spices evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook the mixture on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the fruits to soften thoroughly.
- Mash the Fruit: After cooking, use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash the soft fruit inside the crockpot to release more juice and flavor.
- Strain the Cider: Using a fine mesh strainer, ladle the fruit mixture in batches, allowing the liquid to drain into a large pot. Press the fruit with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
- Sweeten and Serve: While the strained cider is still warm, stir in 1/3 cup granulated sugar or more to taste. Ladle the warm cider into cups and enjoy the comforting spice blend.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples for a balanced flavor profile.
- Peeling the oranges reduces tartness, but you can leave the peel on for more citrusy sharpness.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on sweetness preference and apple variety.
- Store leftover cider in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with a cinnamon stick or a thin orange slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
