Description
A warm and comforting Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe that combines mixed apple varieties and fragrant spices for a delicious homemade beverage, perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 8–10 medium apples (mixed varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
- 1 large orange (peeled and sliced)
Spices & Flavorings
- 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 ground nutmeg
Sweetener
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
Liquids
- 10–12 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits and Spices: Wash and roughly chop the apples without peeling them, removing the cores. Peel and slice the orange. Place all the fruit into the Instant Pot.
- Add Spices and Sweetener: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, sliced fresh ginger, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg into the pot. If using, add the brown sugar or honey. Pour in 10 to 12 cups of water, ensuring the fruit is covered.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on High for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes to infuse maximum flavor.
- Mash the Fruit: Carefully open the lid, then use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples and oranges inside the pot to release even more flavor and juice.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the contents through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing the solids firmly to extract all the flavorful liquid.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if desired. Serve the apple cider warm, garnished with extra orange slices or cinnamon sticks for festive presentation.
Notes
- Use mixed apple varieties for a balanced flavor profile.
- Adjust sweetener to taste or omit for a naturally sweet cider.
- Can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 5 days.
- For a spicier cider, increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon sticks.
- This cider can be enjoyed cold or hot depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes pressure cooking plus 20 minutes natural release
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: instant pot apple cider, homemade apple cider, easy apple cider recipe, spiced apple cider, fall drinks, warm apple cider
