Fresh apples resemble the fall season, and when you go apple picking, you are on the lookout for different apple recipes. This Instant Pot apple cider recipe is our family favorite and even kids love it!
Mulled apple cider or spiced apple cider is a hot, sweet, and spiced beverage made with fresh apples and citrus fruits. It is one of the comforting drinks you can sip during cooler fall days sitting by the fireplace.
Spiced apple cider is absolutely soothing and the fruit flavor perfectly complements the warmth and aroma of the spices.
Mulled apple cider can be easily made in the Instant Pot in a matter of minutes with very little effort. It is a perfect party beverage that you can make ahead of time and keep warm until you are ready to serve it.
Ingredients
This homemade apple cider is made with fresh apples, citrus fruits like oranges, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise. Sometimes cranberries and lemon are also added for more flavor.
To make mulled apple cider, the apples are rinsed thoroughly and cored, there is no need to peel the skin. An apple cutter makes the task of coring apples a breeze.
However, if you don't have one, you can make four slices and then remove the core with the help of a knife.
Also, there is no need to remove the peels of oranges, they add a nice mild citrus flavor. The best way to cut the oranges for the cider is to rinse them thoroughly and cut them into halves and then each half into four parts.
Any kind of apple can be used to make apple cider. It is best to use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Gala, Granny Smith, honey crisp, pink lady, and red apples to have a balanced flavor.
Instructions
Making apple cider at home from scratch is not difficult as you might think. In fact, once you prepare the apples, it is a fairly easy dump-and-go process.
I have used a 6 qt. Instant Pot to make this spiced apple cider recipe. I also like to core the apples and an apple cutter comes in very handy to cut and core all the apples in a matter of minutes!
In the instant pot liner, put all the ingredients, except the sweetener, and fill it up with water. You want to ensure it does not cross the max line in the instant pot liner.
Lock the lid and pressure cook for 15 minutes on high pressure mode. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release the remaining pressure.
Using a potato masher, mash up the apples and oranges and then strain the pulp using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate all the juices or the mulled apple cider.
Add your preferred sweetener like maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or just sugar as per your taste. I like to use agave nectar which has a low glycemic index.
Serving suggestions
Hot apple cider is a perfect fall drink. Just grab your favorite glass and pour some warm cider into it. Add a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, or star anise to the drink to enhance its warmth and flavors.
Spiced apple cider is a perfect fall beverage if you are hosting a party as you can make it ahead of time.
I love the fact that you can turn the "keep warm" setting on the Instant Pot and it will keep the spiced apple cider warm for the entire time.
Fall evenings are well spent while sipping this flavorful warm drink and having a cozy time with your family by the side of the fireplace.
Equipment
have used a 6 qt. Instant Pot to make this spiced apple cider recipe. I also like to core the apples and an apple cutter comes in very handy to cut and core all the apples in a matter of minutes!
You can make it in any electric pressure cooker or an Instant Pot with larger capacity. A potato masher helps in masking after pressure cooking.
Storage
A 6 qt. makes a large batch of spiced apple cider for your family and guests to enjoy. If you have any leftover cider then you can easily store it in the fridge for 7-8 days.
Once you store the apple cider in the fridge, you can enjoy it warm or cold. Although warm apple cider tastes more flavorful.
The refrigerated spiced apple cider can be reheated in the microwave or brought to a boil on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot and served hot!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like
- Pumpkin spice ice cream
- Pumpkin bread rolls
- Salted caramel ice cream
- Pasta soup
- Mixed bean soup
- Quinoa soup
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 lb Apples (8-10 count - 2 Granny Smith, 2 Honey Crisp, 3 Red Apples, and 3 Gala Apples)
- 2 count Oranges (cut into about 8 pieces or slices each)
- 8 cup Water (adjust as needed)
- 1 inch Ginger (sliced)
Spices
- 2 count Cinnamon stick
- 6 count Cloves
- 3 count Star Anise
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg powder
To be added later
- ⅓ cup Blue Agave sweetener (or sweetener of choice)
Instructions
- Cut and core the apples into 4-8 slices using an apple cutter or a knife.
- Put all the ingredients, except the sweetener, in the instant pot liner.
- While adding water ensure it does not cross the max line.
- Lock the lid and pressure cook for 15 minutes on high-pressure mode. Turn the keep warm setting on.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release the remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure release knob to the venting position.
- Using a potato masher, mash up the apples and oranges.
- With the help of a ladle, pour the pulp into a bowl lined with a strainer.
- Press the pulp gently to allow as much liquid to be extracted.
- Add the sweetener to taste.
Notes
- An apple cutter comes in very handy to cut and core the apples.
- You can also allow all the pressure to be released naturally.
- You can use the sweetener of your choice. Add the sweetener at the last so that you can adjust it based on how sweet the apples are.
Mari says
This cider is very easy to make and tasty! Mine turned out a little bit bitter, I think it’s because of the orange peels. Next time, I am going to peel the oranges and add only a few pieces of peel to the cider. Thanks for the recipe!
Yash says
Hi, can I use a blender instead of a masher?
Alpa Jain says
Hi Yash,
If you want to use a blender, I would recommend that you remove all the whole spices before blending. Also, please ensure there are no fruit seeds else they can make it bitter.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Alpa