If you love cozy fall flavors and warm drinks that make your kitchen smell like a holiday market, you’re going to adore this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe. It’s one of those drinks that just wraps you up in comfort with every sip, and what’s better than making it yourself from scratch? This recipe brings together fresh apples, fragrant spices, a hint of bright orange, and the rich sweetness of real maple syrup to create magic in a pot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a tradition — especially when friends or family drop by for a little seasonal cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic from Scratch: This isn’t just store-bought cider warmed up — it’s made with real, fresh apples and spices that you simmer to perfection.
- Balanced Flavors: The combo of orange peel and maple syrup adds a bright-sweet depth you don’t get with plain apple cider.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find, and the steps are straightforward — even if you’re new to making cider.
- Customizable and Cozy: You can tailor the sweetness and spices to your liking, plus it’s a perfect base to spike for grown-up gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe work together like a dream — fresh, juicy apples provide that unmistakable base, while spices and orange add layers of cozy warmth. When shopping, pick apples with good flavor (a mix of sweet and tart always wins), and grab pure maple syrup to get that deep, natural sweetness that brown sugar just can’t quite replicate.
- Apples: I usually grab a mix of Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart punch.
- Oranges: Fresh oranges are key — their zest and juice brighten things up wonderfully.
- Cinnamon sticks: Use good quality sticks for the best aroma and flavor infusion.
- Whole cloves: These little guys pack a punch, so don’t skip them or swap out with ground if you can help it.
- Optional spices (nutmeg, star anise, allspice berries, black peppercorns): These are my secret weapons to deepen the flavor — but feel free to customize.
- Water: Filtered water makes a subtle difference in clarity and taste.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a rich, natural sweetness and complexity; brown sugar can work in a pinch but I prefer maple.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon rounds everything out beautifully.
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for serving: For that pretty touch and extra aroma when enjoying the cider.
- Bourbon or rum (optional): Great for adult drinks — just add a splash per serving.
Variations
I love making this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe just as is most of the time, but I also enjoy switching it up depending on the vibe or what I have in the pantry. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little — it’s part of the fun!
- Spice it up: One chilly evening, I added star anise and a few black peppercorns, which gave a subtle kick that had everyone asking for seconds.
- Make it vegan: Simply swap the maple syrup for organic agave syrup or coconut nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.
- Boozy twist: My family goes crazy for a splash of bourbon stirred in just before serving — a cozy adult treat.
- Slow cooker method: If you want a no-fuss approach, try simmering everything low and slow all day in a crockpot, which I’ve done on busy weekend afternoons with lovely results.
How to Make Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fruit and Spices
Start by chopping your apples into quarters (no need to peel or core — you’ll strain everything later). Quarter your oranges too, but here’s a trick: peel one orange completely to release more juice and leave the other orange’s peels on for a deeper citrus aroma. Toss all your fruit into a large stockpot along with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and any optional spices you want. Cover with fresh filtered water, leaving about 1 ½ inches of space at the top to allow for bubbling. This prep sets the stage for a rich, fragrant cider.
Step 2: Bring to a Simmer and Cook Low and Slow
Turn your heat to high and bring the pot to a rapid simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it gently simmer for about two hours. This slow cooking allows the apples and oranges to soften completely, releasing their flavors fully. While this is cooking, your kitchen will start smelling like a festive autumn day — which is half the joy of this recipe.
Step 3: Mash and Continue Simmering
After two hours, remove the orange quarters with peels and leave the peeled orange in the pot. Now, grab a potato masher and gently press the softened fruit against the bottom of the pot — this releases even more flavor and thickens the cider slightly. If you don’t have a masher, a sturdy wooden spoon works fine too. Then, keep simmering uncovered for another hour to intensify the flavors and let the cider reduce a bit. This is when it gets truly special.
Step 4: Strain and Sweeten
Next up: strain your cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Use the back of a spoon or ladle to press the fruit solids thoroughly to get every last bit of delicious liquid. This step is key — the more juice you squeeze out, the richer and fuller your cider tastes. Once strained, return the cider to the pot if you want to warm it again, and stir in pure maple syrup and vanilla extract. Taste and add syrup or brown sugar little by little until you hit your perfect sweetness. I love how that touch of vanilla brings everything together.
Step 5: Serve Warm or Chilled with Your Favorite Garnishes
Grab your favorite mugs, pour the cider, and garnish with fresh apple slices and an extra cinnamon stick for that rustic charm. If you’re feeling festive, a splash of bourbon or rum adds warmth and cozy depth. Whether you sip it warm by the fire or chilled on a sunny afternoon, this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe is one to savor slow.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe
- Choose a mix of apples: I learned that mixing sweeter and tart apples gives your cider amazing complexity — don’t just stick to one variety.
- Don’t rush the simmering: It’s tempting to speed things up, but the slow, low simmer develops those rich flavors you’re after.
- Strain properly: Press those fruit solids well when straining to get a fuller-bodied cider with plenty of apple goodness.
- Sweeten gradually: Adding syrup bit by bit prevents oversweetening, so you can customize the cider perfectly every time.
How to Serve Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe
Garnishes
I always serve this cider with thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks. They add that extra visual charm and a little extra aroma as you sip. Sometimes, I’ll float a few whole cloves or a star anise pod on top just for fun — it’s all about those little details that make it feel special.
Side Dishes
This cider pairs perfectly with cozy fall snacks like soft pretzels, warm pumpkin bread, or a plate of spiced nuts. I’ve also served it alongside sharp cheddar and crusty bread at casual gatherings, and it always hits the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to serve this cider in clear glass mugs so everyone can admire those apple slices and cinnamon sticks swirling inside. You can also rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar or add a twist of orange peel for a stunning touch. Another idea I love is offering it in a big glass punch bowl with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks — it’s festive and inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cider in a sealed container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for about 4 to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir or shake before reheating to redistribute the spices and flavors evenly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this spiced cider several times with great results! Pour it into freezer-safe jars or ice cube trays (great for making small servings), and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently. Maple syrup’s natural sugars help keep the cider smooth after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat — this helps maintain the rich flavors without scorching the maple syrup. Avoid boiling it again, since that can dull the vibrant orange and spice notes.
FAQs
-
Can I use pre-made apple cider instead of fresh apples?
While you can start with pre-made apple cider, fresh apples give a much more vibrant, natural flavor and better control over the spices and sweetness. Using fresh fruit lets you customize the taste perfectly, which is the heart of this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe.
-
What’s the best type of apple to use for cider?
I recommend a balance of sweet and tart apples — Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith all work well together to provide complexity and natural sweetness.
-
How can I make this recipe vegan or allergy-friendly?
Simply replace maple syrup with agave or coconut nectar if you prefer or need an allergy-friendly sweetener. And of course, skip any optional alcohol when serving.
-
Can I make this cider in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, then strain and sweeten as usual.
-
How do I adjust the sweetness of the cider?
After straining your cider, add maple syrup or brown sugar one tablespoon at a time, stirring and tasting until you reach your preferred sweetness. This step is key for a perfectly balanced Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe has been one of my favorite ways to welcome the cooler seasons and gather loved ones around warmth and flavor. I love how it fills the house with its incredible aroma and how easy it is to customize just for me or a crowd. Whether you’re cozying up after a long day or hosting a get-together, this cider is sure to become a cherished go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy it just as much as my family and I do — here’s to many cozy sips ahead!
Print
Homemade Spiced Apple Cider with Orange and Maple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (12 cups)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade apple cider recipe features fresh medium apples simmered with oranges, warming cinnamon sticks, cloves, and optional spices to create a comforting and aromatic drink. Sweetened with pure maple syrup or brown sugar and enhanced with a touch of vanilla, this cider is perfect served warm or chilled, optionally spiked with bourbon or rum for a cozy adult beverage.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 to 12 medium apples
- 2 large oranges
- 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (2- to 3-inches each)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1 teaspoon ground cloves)
- Optional spices: 1 whole nutmeg, 1 star anise, 1 teaspoon allspice berries, and/or 4 whole black peppercorns
- 1 gallon (16 cups) water (filtered if possible)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (or packed dark brown sugar, plus additional to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Bourbon or rum (optional, use 2 tablespoons per drink)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: In a very large stockpot, place the apples. Quarter the oranges, then remove the peels from one orange but leave the peels on the other. Add both oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any optional spices to the pot.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water, making sure to leave at least 1 1/2 inches of open space at the top to allow for simmering without overflow. If your pot is smaller, add slightly less water while maintaining this gap. Bring the water to a rapid simmer over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let simmer gently for 2 hours until the apples and oranges are very soft.
- Mash the Fruit: Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, mash the softened fruit against the pot’s bottom to release more flavor, leaving peeled orange sections in but removing the orange with the peel on. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional hour, allowing the cider to deepen in flavor and aroma your kitchen warmly.
- Strain the Cider: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids after pressing thoroughly.
- Sweeten and Finish: Return the strained cider to the pot, remove any remaining solids, then stir in the maple syrup or brown sugar and vanilla extract. Warm gently if desired, and taste to adjust the sweetness by adding more sweetener one tablespoon at a time, tailored to preference and apple tartness.
- Serve: Serve the cider warm or chilled. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, and optionally add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum per drink for an adult version.
Notes
- This recipe creates the best easy apple cider from scratch using fresh apples and warm spices.
- The sweetness can be adjusted with maple syrup or brown sugar according to taste and apple tartness.
- Optional spices add complexity but can be omitted for a simpler flavor.
- Use filtered water if possible for a cleaner taste.
- The cider can be enjoyed warm or cold and works well spiked with bourbon or rum.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 134 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.001 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
