Littlemafia's Apple Cider

Warm up your days with Littlemafia’s Apple Cider, a comforting homemade drink packed with fall flavors and enticing aromas. This easy recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples and oranges with the cozy spices of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a touch of nutmeg for an extra hint of warmth. Simmered to perfection over two hours, this cider draws out the rich, fruity essence while brown sugar and vanilla extract add depth and a luscious sweetness. Perfect for gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, this spiced apple cider is not only a seasonal delight but also a must-try for anyone seeking a cozy, homemade beverage. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to customize, deliciously fragrant, and ideal for serving warm with a garnish of cinnamon or orange to make every sip a treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 medium Apples (any variety, preferably sweet and tart)
• 2 medium Oranges
• 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
• 6 pieces Whole cloves
• 2 pods Star anise
• 0.5 cups Brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 10 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg (optional, for additional warmth)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and roughly chop the apples and oranges. There is no need to peel them, but do remove any seeds to avoid bitter flavors.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and nutmeg (if using). Pour in the 10 cups of water, ensuring that the fruits are fully submerged.

Step 3

Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

After 1 hour, use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the softened apples and oranges to release their juices and flavors.

Step 5

Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the pot and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 30 minutes to infuse the flavors fully.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot or heat-safe bowl. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 7

Taste the cider and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Serve warm in mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if preferred.

Step 8

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4241.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1331.8

Total Fat 4.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 95.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 345.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.9g	0%
Total Sugars 275.1g
Protein 8.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 542.9mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 2316.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.0%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 94.7%