About this recipe

Apple Cider is a fall staple. The recipe below is very different than the apple cider you can purchase from the store. This recipe has a bolder taste, darker color, and less sugar. My favorite part of this recipe is that it can be drank both warm and cold, I enjoy sitting out back by the fire while sipping on this drink.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year; the changing colors on the leaves, crisp air, and Halloween decorations made the hot, humid summer days worth it. When I was a teenager and able to drive I made sure to keep myself busy. During the fall, this meant volunteering at as many Haunted Hayrides and Haunted Houses as I could. My favorite Haunted Hayride allowed us to come in our own costume as long as we fit a theme of the section we were assigned. This is not why they were my favorite, though… every few hours, especially on cold days, they would drive by in a tracker and give the volunteers some warm treats. One of these treats included Homemade Apple Cider that was brewed right on the premises.

A few years ago, I was inspired to make this drink as a way to connect with my childhood. I had just moved to a new state to start my graduate school career and I was VERY homesick. It was my favorite time of year, and I couldn’t even do the traditions I created while living in my home state. The tradition I missed the most was volunteering at the Haunted Hayrides, but I no longer had the time to volunteer, let alone to find a place that took volunteers. So, I decided to try my hand at making Apple Cider as a connection to my past. After many failed attempts I managed to create this recipe which is the closest I have ever gotten to the homemade cider of my childhood. This year, I decided to record exact amounts and share the recipe with the world.

Special Instruments needed

Although this recipe was originally created in a Crock Pot Slow Cooker, the same effects can easily be created by using an oven. Please use your best judgement on if it is safe in your home to leave ovens on or appliances plugged in for long periods of time.

“What type of apples should I use?”

I got all my apples for free during a pumpkin picking date (I am quite proud of this story. Long story short: when apple picking, don’t assume that the apples on the ground are bad). Because they were for free and picked up at random, the apples I used were all different types and colors. If you are going to the store to purchase your apples then I highly recommend Gala and Golden Delicious apples because they are very sweet and flavorful.

Recipe

Nutrition Details

*Not including any optional ingredients