This homemade apple cider is the perfect, festive drink to enjoy this Fall! I previously developed this recipe for the December issue of Southern Living Magazine last year, and I decided to tweak it a bit for my readers so that even if you didn’t have the Torani Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup, you could still make this yummy, seasonal beverage at home with items you probably already have in your pantry.

If you aren’t a fan of apple cider, but you still would like to enjoy a seasonal beverage, you should check out my cinnamon maple iced coffee.

This homemade apple cider is technically isn’t one of my signature 5 ingredients or less recipes, however, it’s still super quick and easy to whip up just in time for the approaching holiday season!

So without further ado, keep reading to grab the full recipe.

Here is what you need to make this festive Homemade Apple Cider:

This brown sugar cinnamon apple cider could also easily be turned into an adult beverage with the addition of a bourbon or whiskey transforming it into a delicious hot toddy!

How To Prepare The Homemade Apple Cider:

Making this brown sugar cinnamon apple cider is so simple and as an added bonus, your home will smell amazing! Simply cut your apples into quarters and add them to a large pot along with a peeled orange, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg.

Cover with water about 1-2 inches over the apples and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, reduce the heat to medium/low and let simmer covered for 2½ – 3hrs.

Next, using a potato masher, mash the mixture and continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.

Next, remove from the heat and strain through a strainer or cheesecloth. To reduce waste, you can use the solids to make applesauce!

Finally, add in brown sugar and stir until fully dissolved.

Once cooled to a drinkable temperature, pour warm cider into your favorite glass, garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick, and enjoy!

How Do I Store Homemade Apple Cider?

One of the best things about making your own Apple Cider is that you can make one giant batch to enjoy right away and save some to enjoy later. I recommend storing any leftover cider in the fridge in a glass bottle if possible or in an air-tight container. Be sure to allow the cider to cool completely before storing it! It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Can I make Apple Cider in my crockpot?

Yes! One of the easiest and more hands-off ways to prepare apple cider is to use your slow cooker or crock pot! Simply cook on low for 4.5 hours or if you need to whip up this cider in a pinch, cook on high for 2.5 hours. Mash and strain your cider and you can either add your cider back into the crockpot on warm if entertaining or pour it into a separate container to enjoy!

More Seasonal Drinks To Enjoy: