Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe | How to Make The Best Hot Apple Cider (2024)

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This Instant Pot Apple Ciderrecipe is the best drink for fall, and the holiday season, to keep you warm! It’s made in the pressure cooker with orange, lemon, apples, cranberries, cinnamon and cloves.

Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe | How to Make The Best Hot Apple Cider (1)

A HOMEMADE HOT APPLE CIDER RECIPE

Apple cider is a favorite during the fall and holiday months. We already have this easy stovetop version, this from scratch slow cooker version and since I am a big fan of my Instant Pot, I couldn’t wait to share this pressure cooker version today as well.

Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe | How to Make The Best Hot Apple Cider (2)

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT APPLE CIDER

Making your own homemade apple cider from scratch couldn’t be easier when you use an Instant Pot.

All of those delicious sweet and spicy flavors are infused together in just 15 minutes of cooking time (minus the pressure and natural release time).

To start off, place the orange, lemon, chopped apples and fresh cranberries into the inner pot of your pressure cooker.

Add a few cinnamon sticks, some cloves and one star anise.Star anise adds a wonderful licorice like aroma and can be found on Amazon, the baking aisle or the International section of a large grocery store where there are dried herbs. Feel free to leave it out if you can’t find it.

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Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe | How to Make The Best Hot Apple Cider (4)

Fill with enough water to cover the fruit. I tested this recipe in my 6 Quart Instant Pot – you may have to adjust the amounts depending on the size of your pressure cooker.

Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and allow to naturally release.

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You can add any sweetener of your choice and adjust the amount according to your taste. Coconut sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey or any low calorie sweetener would work depending on your preference.

The combination of orange and lemon add that burst of citrus that pairs amazingly well with the cinnamon and cloves.

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WHY I LOVE INSTANT POT APPLE CIDER

The best part about making your own instant pot apple cider is that you can alter it slightly for different occasions.

Not a fan of cranberries or the lemon? You can leave them out depending on your mood or what you have on hand.

Grab a warm mug and cuddle up by the fireplace. Or add some caramel and whipped cream for a dessert drink.

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Instant Pot Apple Cider

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Resting Time

10 mins

Total Time

35 mins

This Instant Pot Apple Ciderrecipe is the best drink for fall, and the holiday season, to keep you warm! It's made in the pressure cooker with orange, lemon, apples, cranberries, cinnamon and cloves.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Holiday

Keyword: apple cider recipe, apple cider recipes, best homemade apple cider, easy thanksgiving recipe, holiday drinks, holiday drinks recipes, hot apple cider, hot apple cider recipe, how to make apple cider, instant pot apple cider recipe, instant pot recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 100 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

  • 7 medium apples cored and quartered (can leave skin on - a mix of Granny Smith, Honey Crisp & Gala)
  • 1 orange (peeled and cut into segments)
  • 1 lemon (peeled and cut into segments)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 whole star anise leave out if you prefer or can't find it
  • enough water to cover fruit
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup sweetener of your choice sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, Stevia etc.

Instructions

  1. Place the quartered apples, orange, lemon and cranberries into the inner pot of your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise (if using) and pour enough water to cover the fruit.

  2. Place the lid on and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow to naturally release on its own or you can do a quick release after 10 minutes.

  3. Mash the fruit with a potato masher to release the juices.

  4. Carefully strain the solids from the liquids using a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids and store cider in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for later use.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Apple Cider

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 100

% Daily Value*

Sodium 2mg0%

Potassium 223mg6%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 5g20%

Sugar 18g20%

Vitamin A 125IU3%

Vitamin C 24mg29%

Calcium 28mg3%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Easy Stovetop Apple Cider

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Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe | How to Make The Best Hot Apple Cider (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol for hot apple cider? ›

Apple cider has a natural affinity for dark spirits, and bourbon is a classic. While you could load this up with all kinds of winter spice, we keep things simple: cider, spirit, a little honey to balance the booze, and a cinnamon stick to garnish.

What's the difference between apple cider and hot apple cider? ›

Here's the difference between apple cider and apple juice: Apple cider is just unfiltered apple juice that can be served hot or cold. Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples.

Can you keep cider warm in an instant pot? ›

For a holiday party, you can serve this right out of your Instant Pot! Just keep the pot on after the cider is done and it will automatically go to "warm" setting.

How do you get more apple flavor in hard cider? ›

Adding apple juice concentrate will increase the alcohol content (see more on alcohol levels here) and also make your cider a bit less watery (increases the viscosity). Adding frozen concentrate can also add a little more 'apple' flavor.

What to add to cider to make it taste better? ›

Mulling spices

Combine classic warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon in your cider for an especially autumnal treat.

What is the best apple juice to make hard cider? ›

These twelve “better alternative” apple juices were:
  • Gerber Apple 100% Juice.
  • Market Pantry (Target) 100% Juice, Apple.
  • Mott's 100% Juice, Apple Original.
  • Mott's for Tots Apple.
  • Nature's Own 100% Apple Juice.
  • Old Orchard 100% Juice, Apple.
  • Simply Balanced (Target) Organic Apple Juice, 100% Juice.
  • Tree Top 100% Apple Juice.
Sep 17, 2020

What does hot apple cider do to your body? ›

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

How many apples to make a gallon of cider? ›

How many apples does it take to make a gallon of cider? - It will take just a little over a peck or 36-42 medium apples to make just one gallon of cider.

What is apple cider with alcohol called? ›

Apple cider is apple juice that has not been filtered and still contains all the apple pieces, pulp, and sediment. It is the raw, purer version of apple juice. To make an alcoholic cider, yeast is added which converts the sugar into alcohol. Simple right? Hard cider is the adult version of apple cider.

How do you heat cider to stop fermentation? ›

Sweet, still cider-Allow the cider to ferment to . 999 or less. At least a week before bottling, add ¼ teaspoon potassium metabisulfite per 5 gallons and ½ teaspoon potassium sorbate per gallon to prevent re- fermentation. An alternate method to stop re-fermentation is to heat to 120ºF (stir constantly) and cool.

Can I leave Instant Pot on warm overnight? ›

According to instant pot, the warm setting is safe to leave overnight. The temperature of the Keep Warm setting ranges between 140-172 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Instant Pot manual . The danger zone for food is 41–140 degrees fahrenheit. You are in the safe zone.

How long to leave Instant Pot on warm? ›

Instant Pot also switches to a “warm” setting when it's done cooking, keeping food at a safe temperature for up to 10 hours.

What makes good apple cider? ›

Most apples can be used in creating flavorful hard cider, but there are a few specific varieties that work best as cider apples. Galas, Gravensteins, Newtown Pippins, Rome Beauties and Winesaps are a few common varieties that can add amazing nuances and depth to hard cider.

How much yeast for 1 gallon of cider? ›

Add yeast and nutrients: Add ½ teaspoon (~2 grams) of yeast nutrient (Fermaid K) per gallon of juice. Carefully swirl to mix. Add ¼ teaspoon (~1 gram) dry yeast per gallon of juice by sprinkling across the surface of the juice. After a few minutes, gently swirl to mix.

What makes apple cider taste good? ›

Apple cider is a tasty drink comprised of freshly pressed apples, often served infused with spices such as cinnamon, anise, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Just about any apple makes decent cider, though the nuances of each apple variety will permeate the beverage.

What alcohol mixes well with apple cider? ›

The rich sweetness of natural apple cider pairs well with various liquors, such as brandy, vodka, and rum. As such, it's easy to find a combination that not only warms the soul, but the mind and body as well.

What goes with hot apple cider? ›

Hot Spiked Cider Pairings
  • Apple Pie or Apple Crisp. ...
  • Cheddar Cheese and Crackers. ...
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts. ...
  • Sausage and Sage Stuffing. ...
  • Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup. ...
  • Caramel Popcorn. ...
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. ...
  • Spiced Nuts.

Do you put whiskey or rum in hot cider? ›

Whiskey or bourbon also pairs well with fall and winter warming spices that are often found in hot apple cider recipes like cinnamon and cloves. Dark rum is another dark liquor that is also a popular choice for spiking apple cider and could certainly be used in this recipe in lieu of whiskey or bourbon.

What rum is best for hot apple cider? ›

The best rum

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum has bold flavors of cloves and cinnamon spice finished with vanilla and oak and is light on sweetness. At times, you can pick up hints of toffee and caramel, which would be perfect with hot apple cider.

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