Fresh Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (Crock Pot or Instant Pot) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider? ›

The process for making apple cider and spiced apple cider is the same. The main difference is that spiced apple cider is, well, spiced! It typically has been infused with flavors of different warm spices (like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg) versus regular apple cider which gets its flavor solely from the apples.

There are a few reasons your cider may be bitter: What is this? You didn't use enough sweetener. To fix this, taste a spoonful of cider, and if it isn't sweet enough, simply stir in more of your prefered sweetener.

As a rough guide, 20lb of apples will give you 1 gallon of apple juice for you to make cider. You can make cider from pretty much any variety of apple. They could be cookers, eaters or a blend of many different types.

Combine classic warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon in your cider for an especially autumnal treat.

Many alcohols mix well with apple cider. Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

If you are interested primarily in slow cooking, you should buy a dedicated slow cooker. They're more reliable with a range of slow-cooker recipes than an Instant Pot. We found Instant Pot multicookers specifically could not successfully slow-cook dense, high-volume recipes such as beef stew or pot roast.

When it comes to preserving nutrients, the Instant Pot's high-pressure cooking generally wins the battle. If you're looking for quick, healthy meals with minimal nutrient loss, the Instant Pot is your go-to. For rich, complex flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness, the slow cooker takes the crown.

No problem. Unlike with other Instant Pot recipes, where it's dangerous to remove the lid, you're more than welcome to take off the lid as you slow cook in the Instant Pot.

One with too high of tannins will seem bitter. Together acidity and tannins provide balance to sweetness and apple / pear character. Less tannin will heighten the acidity and vice versa. Using too much of both results in a harsh, astringent cider.

Why does my apple cider taste weird? ›

Apple Cider may not taste as good after it begins to “turn”. It will become darker in color and start to froth. When those things start to occur, it just means the cider is undergoing fermentation. It will taste more sour like vinegar, but it's by no means harmful.

If Pectolase is added at the start it will improve the taste in the cider as they help to bring out flavours and without this addition you won't have clear cider. Add one teaspoon per 5 litres (1 gallon).

Best Apples for Cider

The best apple variety for cider depends on your taste preferences. If you like sweet cider, opt for a sweeter type like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, try something like McIntosh or Pink Lady.

Rather than letting them go to waste, thoughts turn to making cider at home. Once you've done it and tasted your own cider, you'll want to make it again and again. It really is such a simple thing to make. And as well as being lovely to drink in the summer, it's great for mulled cider and casseroles in the winter.

Mulled Cider is typically a sweet cider heated with spices and citrus fruits. Mulled means to heat, sweeten, and flavor (a beverage like cider or wine) with spices. What is this? You may be familiar with wassail. Wassail and mulled cider are the same – you can read more about wassail here.

Cider apples are classified into four main types based on the qualities of their juice: bittersharp, bittersweet, sharp, and sweet. Optimal levels of acidity and tannins are very rarely found in the juice of any one apple variety.

It's also often pasteurized for shelf stability. Traditionally, apple cider contains traditional warming and/or pie spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. But not all store-bought bottles contain spices. Apple juice is the filtered juice of apples.

Benefits: Immune boosting, supports healthy digestive fire, regulates blood sugar (thanks cinnamon), improves circulation, prevents the common cold and keeps you feeling cozy.