Warm Spiced Instant Pot Apple Cider

$For this apple cider, I love using a mix of apples. I suggest using 10 medium apples. A good mix includes sweet and tart types like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This balance gives the cider depth. You can also try Gala or Fuji for more sweetness. Spices make apple cider warm and cozy. For this recipe, I use 3 cinnamon sticks. They add a sweet, warm taste. I also add 1 tablespoon of whole cloves for a strong flavor. The allspice berries, also 1 tablespoon, bring a hint of heat. Sweetness is key for great cider. I use 1/2 cup of brown sugar. You can adjust this to fit your taste. For liquid, we need 10 cups of water to cover the apples and spices. Lastly, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a smooth finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 10 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and quartered - 1 orange, quartered - 3 cinnamon sticks - 1 tablespoon whole cloves - 1 tablespoon allspice berries - 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste) - 10 cups water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Wash the apples and orange well. Core and quarter the apples. Quarter the orange, too. This helps release the flavors. Now, place the quartered apples and orange in the Instant Pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the fruit and spices. Next, pour in the water until it covers everything. Close the lid tightly. Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any leftover pressure. After you open the lid, the scent will be amazing. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the fruit and spices into a pulp. This step helps to mix the flavors well. Now, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Discard the solids, as they are not needed. Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste your cider and adjust the sweetness if you want. If you like it warm, heat it again in the Instant Pot on the Sauté function for a few minutes. Enjoy your homemade apple cider! To get the perfect sweetness in your cider, start with a half cup of brown sugar. You can add more later if you want. Taste the cider after you strain it. If it needs more sweetness, stir in a little more brown sugar. You can also try maple syrup or honey. These sweeteners add their own unique flavors too. To make your cider burst with flavor, think beyond the basics. You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a few slices of ginger. These spices can give your cider a lovely twist. If you want a citrus kick, try adding lemon slices along with the orange. Always taste your cider as you go. This way, you can find the flavor you love best. Serving your cider can be just as fun as making it. Pour the hot cider into heatproof mugs. Add a fresh cinnamon stick for a lovely look and taste. You can also garnish with thin apple slices. If you want to keep it warm, use your Instant Pot's Sauté function. This keeps the cider cozy for guests. Enjoy your cider at fall gatherings or on chilly nights! Pro Tips Choose Your Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, will create a well-balanced flavor profile for your cider. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cider after straining and adjust the brown sugar according to your preference for sweetness. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! Strain Thoroughly: For a smooth cider, make sure to strain the mixture well. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solids. Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your cider warm. You can quickly reheat it in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function before serving. {{image_2}} You can mix in other fruits for extra flavor. Pears work great in cider. Their sweetness adds a nice touch. You can also try cranberries for a tart kick. These fruits add depth to your cider. Just quarter them and add them to the pot with your apples. Spices can make your cider warm and cozy. You can add ginger for a bit of heat. A dash of nutmeg gives a warm flavor, too. Try adding star anise for a unique twist. These spices will enhance the cider’s aroma and taste. Just remember to adjust the amounts based on your taste. Making cider with alcohol is fun for adult gatherings. You can add a splash of bourbon for warmth. This adds a rich, smoky flavor. For a lighter option, try spiced rum. Just mix in a shot or two after cooking. This way, it stays warm but not too strong. Enjoy your cider with friends! You can store your Instant Pot apple cider in the fridge. Pour the cider into a clean, airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. Make sure to cool it down before you seal it. If you want to enjoy it warm later, just reheat it. Yes, you can freeze apple cider! Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion. Frozen cider lasts about 6 months. When you want some, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or use a microwave. To reheat the cider, pour it into a pot on the stove. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also reheat it in the Instant Pot. Use the Sauté function for a few minutes until hot. Enjoy your warm, spiced cider! Yes, you can use many apple types. Mixing sweet apples like Honeycrisp with tart apples like Granny Smith works best. This mix gives your cider a rich flavor. Experiment with your favorite apples to find the best taste. Homemade apple cider stays fresh for about a week in the fridge. You should store it in a sealed container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Frozen cider can last up to six months. Absolutely! You can make the cider a day or two before your event. Just store it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, warm it up in the Instant Pot on the Sauté function. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. This blog post shared how to make delicious homemade apple cider. We explored apple varieties, spices, sweeteners, and liquid options to create great flavors. I detailed step-by-step instructions to prepare, cook, and strain the cider. We also covered tips for adjusting sweetness and enhancing flavor. You learned about storing and reheating cider too. Making your own apple cider is fun and rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and flavors for a unique drink. You’ll love the taste of your homemade creation!$

Warm Spiced Instant Pot Apple Cider

A cozy and flavorful apple cider infused with warm spices, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and quartered
1 orange, quartered
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon allspice berries
0.5 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
10 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Begin by placing the quartered apples and orange into the Instant Pot.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and brown sugar on top of the fruit.
Pour the water into the pot, making sure to cover the fruit and spices completely.
Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the fruit and spices into a pulp.
After mashing, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, discarding the solids.
Stir in the vanilla extract and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Optionally, heat the cider again in the Instant Pot on the Sauté function for a few minutes to serve warm.

Notes

Serve in heatproof mugs garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick and thin apple slices for a festive touch.

Keyword apple cider, instant pot, spiced cider