A spiced and warming Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider that is easy to make, family friendly, and full of cosy Autumn flavours. This is a wonderful everyday drink to enjoy during the cold months, and it's perfect for kids parties, grown-ups gatherings or special occasions. Serve it hot or cold, it's fuss free, and absolutely delicious!
As much as I love hot sunny days, there is something magical about cosying up with a hot drink on a dark, cold and rainy day. And this apple cider is just perfect for such a time. And bonus point, it's all homemade and full of goodness!
There is an abundance of fresh, delicious apples at this time of the year, whether you have your own apple tree, or you get to buy some from your local farmer's market or supermarket. They are inexpensive, readily-available, and so good!
Apples are so underrated, they really don't get the appreciation they deserve. And there is so much you can make with them, sweet and savoury too! My absolute favourite apple dessert has to be the old-fashioned apple pie, followed by apple crumble.
And both desserts go so well with this cider, regardless if you have it warm or cold. But I do have lots more apple desserts on this blog, just have a quick search for "apple", and I promise you, there are really yummy recipes here!
This non-alcoholic cider is such a revelation! I have never been too keen on the British cider, which is alcoholic, perhaps because I'm not really a drinker. The non-alcoholic one, on the other hand, is so wonderfully spiced and comforting, more like a spiced apple juice, so good!
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Note!
Go to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions!
Ingredients overview
- apples - I used British Cox apples, but you can use any kind of apples, the cider works really well regardless
- light brown sugar - adds a lovely sweetness to the cider
- cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and ground nutmeg - a lovely combo of spices that add warmth and deep flavour
- water - use enough to cover the apples by 2-2 ½ inches
Step-by-step photos and instructions
- wash, core and cut the apples into wedges
- add them to a pan together with the spices
- cover the apples with water, place a lid on the pot, and bring it to a boil
- leave them to simmer on a medium heat for 45 minutes
- use a potato masher or hand mixer to roughly mash the apples, then place the lid back on the pot, and leave them to simmer again for a further 45 minutes
- cover a sieve with cheesecloth, and place it over a large pan or jug
- strain the cider by pressing down well on the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as you can
- discard the pulp
Variations
You can make this apple cider in a slow cooker as well, just add the apples, water and spices, and cook everything on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, mashing the apples half the way through.
For a festive touch, you can add a few slices of orange, it will smell and taste incredible! You can also add any other fruit like pears, cranberries, peach/nectarines, berries, etc.
Expert tips
Don't rush the cider - allow the apples to be really tender for a depth of flavour. Simmering it on a lower heat helps build up the flavours.
You can use a mix of apples for a great flavour, tart and sweet apples together will add so much to the cider. You can add more sugar at the end if you think it's not sweet enough, as apples can vary in sweetness.
Keep the cider in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, just gently reheat or enjoy it cold, either way, you are in for a treat!
Other seasonal non-alcoholic drinks
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Homemade Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 British Cox apples
- 100 g light brown sugar (½ cup)
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ L water (6 cups)
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Instructions
- Wash, core and cut the apples into wedges.
- Add them to a large pot together with the spices and water.
- Place a lid on the pan, bring it to a boil, then leave them to simmer on a medium heat for 45 minutes.
- Use a potato masher or a hand blender to roughly mash the apples to release more flavour.
- Place the lid back onto the pan, and simmer it for a further 45 minutes.
- Cover a fine sieve with cheesecloth, and place it over a large bowl or jug.
- Strain the cider, and use a spoon to press down well on the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Discard the pulp, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Don't rush the cider - allow the apples to be really tender for a depth of flavour. Simmering it on a lower heat helps build up the flavours.
- You can use a mix of apples for a great flavour, tart and sweet apples together will add so much to the cider. You can add more sugar at the end if you think it's not sweet enough, as apples can vary in sweetness.
- Keep the cider in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, just gently reheat or enjoy it cold, either way, you are in for a treat!
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