Homemade Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 apples (cleaned, cored and quartered)
• 1 lemon (cleaned and quartered)
• 2 to 3 coins fresh ginger (¼ inch slices)
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 whole cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise pod (optional)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

Steps

1. 1

   Place the apples, lemon, ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise (if using), and brown sugar in a large stock pot. Cover with 12 cups of filtered water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour at a gentle simmer, then use a potato masher to break the apples down until they are soft.

2. 2

   Cook for another hour, then remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the container(s) of your choice.

3. 3

   Enjoy the cider warm, or let it cool completely and chill it in the fridge to drink it cold.