4 Irresistible Homemade Apple Cider Recipes to Warm Your 2025

At Champlain Orchards, we take immense pride in cultivating over 175 varieties of eco-certified apples, pears, and stone fruits. Our dedication to sustainable farming and passion for quality has established us as a premier producer of handcrafted apple ciders, each bottle reflecting the unique terroir of our orchards.

In this recipe-rich article, we are delighted to share four original and super easy-to-make homemade apple cider recipes. Whether you're a seasoned cider enthusiast or a curious beginner, these recipes offers you a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of freshly harvested apples.

The four variations we'll explore are:

1. Classic Spiced Apple Cider: A traditional favorite infused with warming spices.

2. Maple-Infused Apple Cider: A Vermont-inspired twist sweetened with pure maple syrup.

3. Citrus Ginger Apple Cider: A zesty blend featuring citrus fruits and fresh ginger.

4. Chai-Spiced Apple Cider: An exotic fusion combining chai tea spices with apple cider.

Each recipe includes detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some quick tips to make sure that your cider-making experience is both enjoyable and successful. Let's hop on this flavorful journey and find the perfect cider to suit your taste!

Recipe n°1: The Classic Spiced Apple Cider.

Indulge in the timeless warmth of a Classic Spiced Apple Cider, a cherished beverage that combines the rich flavors of fresh apples with traditional spices. This comforting drink is perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings.

• Serving Size: Makes approximately 8 cups

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, pour the apple cider and add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, and orange slices.

2. Heat Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Simmer: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.

4. Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter cider, stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.

5. Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cider to remove the spices and orange slices. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Quick Tips:

• Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the cider before adding brown sugar; depending on the natural sweetness of the apples, you may find it sweet enough.

• Spice Variations: Feel free to add other spices like star anise or a pinch of nutmeg for additional depth of flavor.

• Storage: Leftover cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Enjoy the heartwarming essence of this classic spiced apple cider, a true testament to the rich flavors of fresh apples and traditional spices.

Recipe n°2: Maple-Infused Apple Cider.

Experience the rich blend of apples and pure maple syrup in this Maple-Infused Apple Cider. This simple recipe brings a touch of Vermont's signature sweetness to your cup.

• Serving Size: Makes approximately 6 cups

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large stainless steel saucepan, pour the apple cider and maple syrup.

2. Prepare Spice Bundle: Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel in the center of a square of washed cheesecloth. Fold up the sides to enclose the bundle and tie it with kitchen string.

3. Heat Mixture: Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve: Remove the spice bundle. Serve the cider hot in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.

Quick Tips:

• Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.

• Spice Bundle Alternative: If cheesecloth isn't available, add the spices directly to the cider and strain before serving.

• Storage: Leftover cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

This recipe is adapted from Allrecipes' Hot Apple Cider. Enjoy the harmonious blend of apple and maple in this warm, inviting cider.

If time is tight, consider trying our award-winning Maple Cider Syrup. Handmade in small batches over a wood fire, this syrup blends pure maple syrup with our cider syrup, offering a maple-forward taste balanced with a pop of fresh apple flavor. It's perfect for enhancing your beverages or drizzling over pancakes and desserts.

We hope you're enjoying our recipes so far. Let's move on to the next one ❤️ 🍏 Shall we?

Recipe n°3: Citrus Ginger Apple Cider

This invigorating blend combines the crispness of apple cider with zesty citrus and a hint of ginger, offering a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.

• Serving Size: Makes approximately 6 cups

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, pour the apple cider and add the sliced ginger, orange, lemon, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

2. Heat Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

3. Simmer: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Sweeten (Optional): If desired, stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.

5. Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cider to remove the solids. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a slice of citrus or a cinnamon stick if desired.

Quick Tips:

• Ginger Intensity: Adjust the amount of ginger to suit your taste; more ginger will yield a spicier cider.

• Citrus Variations: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit for a unique flavor profile.

• Storage: Leftover cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

This recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart's Hot Apple Cider with Ginger.

Enjoy this zesty and warming citrus ginger apple cider, a delightful addition to any occasion.

Recipe n°4: Chai-Spiced Apple Cider

This aromatic blend marries the warmth of apple cider with the exotic spices of traditional chai, creating a comforting beverage perfect for any occasion.

• Serving Size: Makes approximately 6 cups

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, pour the apple cider and add the cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, black peppercorns, ginger slices, cloves, star anise, and the split vanilla bean.

2. Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

3. Simmer: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.

4. Add Tea Bags: After 10 minutes, add the black tea bags to the mixture and steep for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Sweeten (Optional): If desired, stir in brown sugar or honey to taste, ensuring it dissolves completely.

6. Strain and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the cider to remove the spices and tea bags. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh apple if desired.

Quick Tips:

• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the quantity of spices to suit your taste preferences.

• Tea Selection: For a caffeine-free version, consider using decaffeinated black tea or a rooibos chai blend.

• Storage: Leftover chai-spiced cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

This recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart's Chai-Spiced Apple Cider.

Enjoy this exotic and warming chai-spiced apple cider, a perfect blend to conclude our series of delightful cider recipes.

Final Thoughts:

We hope these recipes inspire you to craft your own delicious, homemade apple cider creations at home. For more culinary ideas, visit our Recipe Box, where you'll find a variety of savory, sweet, and cocktail recipes featuring our orchard's produce.

If you're interested in bringing the flavors of Champlain Orchards to your kitchen, explore our Fruit, Gift Boxes & Provisions. We offer a selection of fresh fruits, artisanal products, and thoughtfully curated gift boxes, perfect for any occasion.

For a broader selection of our offerings, including hard ciders and orchard gear, browse our Products page. Each item reflects our commitment to quality and the rich agricultural heritage of our family-owned orchards.

If you're in the area, we invite you to visit our Farm Market in Shoreham, Vermont. Here, you can purchase our fruits, baked goods, sweet cider, hard cider, and provisions. Pies, pastries, and donuts are baked fresh on-site daily, and fruit availability rotates with the seasons. We also offer a wide array of locally sourced items, including cheeses, meats, specialty foods, and bath and body care products.

Thank you so much for joining us on this flavorful journey. We look forward to sharing more of our orchard's bounty with you, both online and in person.

See you on the next one!!