Drinks

Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Bylilan Sage July 14, 2026July 14, 2026

Introduction

This Instant Pot Apple Cider is a warm, comforting drink perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings. Combining a variety of apples with spices and a touch of sweetness, it delivers rich seasonal flavors in a quick and easy way.

A glass mug with a clear, fluted top edge is filled with a smooth orange drink that has a creamy texture. The drink is topped with a thin dark brown cinnamon stick that floats on the surface evenly. In the background, there are more similar glass mugs and a large glass container filled with the same orange liquid, all placed on a white marbled surface. A cinnamon stick lies next to the mug in the foreground, adding a cozy touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8-10 medium apples (mixed varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
1 large orange (peeled and sliced)
3 cinnamon sticks
4-5 whole cloves
1-2 star anise
1 inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
10-12 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and roughly chop the apples, removing the cores but leaving the peels on. Peel and slice the orange, then place all the fruit into the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, allspice, and your choice of sweetener into the pot. Pour in 10 to 12 cups of water, enough to cover the fruit completely.
Step 3: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on High for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Carefully open the lid and use a potato masher to mash the apples and oranges, releasing their flavors into the liquid.
Step 5: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 6: Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra orange slices or cinnamon sticks if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
For a spiced twist, add a few cardamom pods or a vanilla bean before cooking.
If you prefer a clear cider, strain the mixture twice.
To make it kid-friendly, skip any alcohol or strong spices in the recipe.

Storage

Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze the cider in portions for longer storage; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup filled with a warm orange-brown drink, topped with one thick, bright orange slice and a dark brown cinnamon stick resting on top. The cup sits on a white marbled surface with another orange slice and a red apple in the background, alongside a small container labeled

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use only one type of apple?

Yes, you can use a single apple variety, but blending different types creates a more complex and rich flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

No, peeling is not required. Leaving the peels on adds nutrients and natural color to the cider.

lilan Sage