How to Make And Can Your Own Homemade Apple Cider

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a steaming mug of homemade apple cider on a crisp fall day, wouldn’t you say, momma? The smell of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the house feels like a hug for your soul, doesn’t it?

But here’s the thing: store-bought apple cider or those powdered mixes just don’t cut it!! They taste….well….fake!

So today, I’m going to show you how easy (and rewarding!) it is to make your own cider from scratch. Plus, I’ll walk you through canning apple cider so you can enjoy that fresh, homemade taste all year long.

Grab your apples, momma—it’s time to make some fresh apple cider!

Why Make Your Own Apple Cider?

Why should you go through the process of making your own cider, momma, when you can tear open an envelope, dump some powder into a mug, and pour some steaming hot water into it? 😂🤣

There are so many reasons to love making real apple cider at home!

• No Waste: It’s the perfect way to use up all those apples from your yard, neighbor’s tree, or fall orchard trips.
• Better Taste: Homemade cider has a depth of flavor you just can’t get from the store.
• No Additives: You control the ingredients—no preservatives or artificial flavors here.
• Memory-Making: Tossing apples into the pot with your kiddos? That’s the good stuff, momma. ❤️

And let’s not forget the bonus: your whole house will smell absolutely incredible!

I LOVE THIS APPLE CIDER!!

I made a TON of homemade apple cider this fall and tried canning some so that we’d have enough to sip on during the winter as well.  Unfortunately, we only have two jars left.  😂🤣

So I guess I will be into canning apple juice more next year….and buying apples to make homemade apple cider for the holidays.

See, my husband gets apples from a coworker.  And they are the best apples I’ve ever eaten.

But no one can ever remember what they are called! 🤣😂

And my mom also has apples in her yard, so I get apples every fall from her too.

At my old house, we had two apple trees. And they were just starting to produce when we moved (we had the twins, and needed a bigger house…)

I was so sad.

My oldest felt bad for me.  (I must’ve complained a lot.) So he bought me an apple tree for Mother’s Day! 

I was so excited!  He told me it was no problem – he was investing in his future!  LOL!! 

Crazy kid.  He said he is going to buy me an apple tree every year for Mother’s Day until I have a nice little orchard. 

I hope he plans on giving me the grandkids to pick all of those apples!  🤣🤣

A couple of years ago, I didn’t have the time I needed to cook up all of the apples I had been receiving from people. The twins were little and it was just too hard. 

So I was snooping around on Pinterest one day and stumbled across this homemade apple cider recipe.  It was so easy! 

I didn’t have to peel all of these apples!  So I decided to give it a try.

We didn’t like it the first couple of times I tried it.  Or, I should say, I liked it, but my family did not. 

It didn’t take long to figure out why – they weren’t fond of the oranges. 

Also, we like a thicker apple cider than what this recipe provides. 

So, after monkeying around with it for a couple of falls, I think I finally got it just right for my family!!

But, because you can always make good things even better, I like to add a little Fireball Whiskey to the adult cider!  The whiskey gives it an extra shot of cinnamon and of course, turns it into a hard cider. 

It actually dulls the sweetness a bit, which is exactly the way I like it.

Delish!

How to Make Your Own Homemade Apple Cider

*Takes about four hours to prepare and cook

This recipe is simple, flexible, and absolutely delicious. It’s been a fall tradition in our house for years.

Ingredients

• 12 large apples (or 24 small ones)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 quarts water (use 4 quarts for thinner cider)
• 1 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep Your Apples

Wash and core the apples. Cut the apple chunks of them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.

2. Cook the Apples

Place the apples in a large pot and cover them with 2 quarts of boiling water each. Add the spices, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Strain the Mixture

Place a fine-mesh strainer over another large pot. Ladle the cooked apples into the strainer and use a potato masher to extract the juice. Discard the apple remains.

4. Sweeten It Up

Stir in the brown sugar. Taste and adjust as needed for a sweeter or tangier cider.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Pour into mugs and sip away. Add a splash of Fireball for a grown-up twist if desired!

Fresh cider will keep in the fridge for about a week—but it probably won’t last that long! 😂🤣

Canning Apple Cider

If you want to enjoy your homemade cider all winter long, canning is the way to go!

Here’s how to do it safely and easily:

Supplies

• 6 quart jars with lids and rings
• Water bath canner or pressure cooker
• Funnel and jar lifter

Instructions

1. Wash jars, lids, and rings in warm, soapy water. Place the jars hot lids in a small pot of water and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.

2. Fill each jar half gallon jars with hot apple cider, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids and rings.

3. Place jars in the canner and cover with boiling water (about 2-3 inches above the jars). Bring to a boil.

4. Process the jars for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat boiling water canner and let the canner sit for a few minutes before removing the lid. Let the jars cool on a counter.

5. Once cool, check the seals, label the jars, and store them in a cool, dark place.

Canned cider lasts up to a year—perfect for sipping or gifting!

Homemade cider goes great with the holidays!

Creative Ways to Use and Gift Canned Apple Cider

Homemade cider isn’t just for drinking!! 🤣😂

Here are some fun ideas:

• Holiday Parties: Keep cider warm in a slow cooker and let guests ladle their own cups.
• Hostess Gifts: Add a festive ribbon and a handwritten label to a mason jar for a thoughtful, homemade present.
• Cocktail Mixers: Use your cider as a base for festive drinks like spiked cider or apple sangria.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or gifting it to loved ones, canned apple cider is a versatile treat that brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. With just a little effort, you can turn your homemade cider into a thoughtful and memorable part of the season!

At the End of the Day…

Making apple cider isn’t just about the drink, momma, or about using up those apples. It’s about the memories you create in the process!!

Whether you’re tossing apples into the pot with your little ones or surprising friends with a jar of homemade cider, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your home!

FAQs About Homemade and Canned Apple Cider

If you’re new to making or canning apple cider, you might have a few questions—and I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions to help you perfect your homemade apple cider ingredients and feel confident about canning it.

Q: What is the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

A: Apple cider often has cinnamon and other spices added to it, changing the flavor just a bit. But my kids have always loved both. When cider is cheaper than apple juice, I used to buy it and serve it to them as apple juice. LOL.

Now I make my own cider though.

Q: Can I make apple cider without sugar?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer a tarter cider, skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey.

Q: How long does canned apple cider last?

A: Properly canned cider can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.

Q: Can I use any type of apple?

A: Yes! A mix of sweet and tart apples works best for balanced flavor.

Q: Can you can hard apple cider?

A: Yes, but it requires a different process than regular apple cider. Since hard cider is alcoholic, it’s important to follow specific guidelines for preserving alcohol-based beverages.

Pressure canning is typically recommended, and you should consult a reliable source for exact steps to ensure safety.

However, I recommend keeping things simple by adding the alcohol to your cider as you serve it—this way, you can adjust the strength and flavor to your liking!

Q: How long does canned hard apple cider last?

A: Properly canned hard cider can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. However, like any preserved beverage, the flavor may gradually change over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 6-9 months.

For the freshest taste, consider adding the alcohol to your cider as you drink it instead of canning it with the beverage.

Q: Can I turn apple juice into apple cider?

A: Yes, you can turn apple juice into cider with just a few simple steps!

Start with unsweetened, unfiltered apple juice for the best results. Heat the juice in a pot and add warm spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors, then strain if needed. This is a quick way to enjoy cider when you don’t have fresh apples on hand!

I hope these answers help you to feel ready to dive into making and canning your own apple cider momma! It’s so much easier than it seems, and the results are so worth it!

If you have any other questions, drop them in the comments below—I’d love to help!

More Canning and Apple Recipes

Homemade Crock Pot Apple Sauce

Classic Apple Crisp

Canning Green Beans