Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider
This Instant Pot Apple Cider only has a simple ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes! We love warming up on a crisp Fall day with a cup of hot apple cider.
There’s something about a cup of warm apple cider on a chilly fall or winter night that makes this time of year magical. Make a homemade batch of this apple cider in the Instant Pot, grab a mug and curl up with your family for movie night.
What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
Well, they are both the juice from apples, but apple cider is unfiltered and unsweetened. Apple cider is mostly popular around Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Apple cider can be served cold, but it is typically served warm. Adults will sometimes spike apple cider for a non-kid-friendly option 😉
What apples are best to use when making homemade apple cider?
It really depends on the apples you like to eat at home. Sweet? Tart? You can learn more about the different types of apples here. Personally, we like to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith.
Can you only use one type of apple when making homemade apple cider?
Nope! Feel free to experiment and use what you have on hand. Personally, I love all apples, so I don’t see anything wrong with mixing in a few different ones, but that’s totally up to you!
Why add oranges to apple cider?
The oranges add a boost of flavor and acidity to your homemade apple cider. The citrus pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
Can you make homemade apple cider without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make hot apple cider in the slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and let it cook all day (low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3) and have your house smell amazing! After the allotted time, mash the fruits with a wooden spoon and cook for another hour or so. Strain if needed.
To make hot apple cider on the stove, you will follow the same instructions but put everything in a big pot on the stove. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover and allow it to cook for about 2 hours. After the 2 hours, mash the fruit, allow to simmer again, then strain as needed.
When is the best time to have hot apple cider?
Whenever you want it! We love it in the morning with these pumpkin pancakes or this upside down apple pancake. But a nice warm cup of apple cider is also perfect in the evening with a simple apple puff pastry.
Recipe and photography courtesy of Jodi of Create Kids Club.
Instant Pot Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 6 large apples quartered
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange zested, quartered
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole clove
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 7 cups water
Instructions
- Add apples, cinnamon sticks, oranges and zest, brown sugar, cloves and nutmeg to Instant Pot. Pour water over top.
- Place cover on Instant Pot and set to sealing. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, allow to naturally release 10 minutes before venting and removing lid.
- Remove large items with slotted spoon. Strain smaller items using a fine mesh strainer before serving.