Instant Pot Apple Cider
This Instant Pot Apple Cider is a cozy drink perfect for sipping on in the cold months. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that is sure to add a ton of warm cheer to your next holiday party or family get-together.
Who needs to light a scented candle when you can enjoy the sweet aroma of juicy apples, aromatic spices, and just a hint of zesty orange filling your home? This easy Instant Pot apple cider is a staple for the fall and winter. Packed with fresh fruit, brown sugar, and whole spices, a mug of this warm cider is sure to warm the body and the soul.
Different ideas on how to use Apples
This simple Instant Pot apple cider recipe is loaded with flavor and is a great way to use up any apples you might have that are about to go bad. Simply chop up your fruit, dump it in your instant pot along with some sugar and spices, and walk away. You’ll have enough pressure-cooked apple cider in just a few hours to feed a crowd. If you want to fill your apple cravings, enjoy this delicious warm cider with one of our other tasty treats Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecake, or our Apple Rose Tart.
We Love This Recipe Because It’s…
- An easy dump-and-go treat.
- A great way to use up extra produce.
- Perfect to enjoy during the fall and winter months.
- Almost as aromatic as it is tasty.
- Sweet, spicy, tangy, and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 11 Apples- sliced (variety of sweet and sour)
- 1 Orange- peeled and sliced
- 5 Cinnamon sticks
- ¾ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Whole cloves
- 2 ½ Ground nutmeg
- Fresh Water
Equipment You’ll Need
No need to sweat over a hot stove to make this delicious hot apple cider. This cozy drink is made entirely in an Instant Pot! And, besides the pressure cooker, all you’ll need to make this sweet and spicy drink is a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a large spoon, and some cheesecloth.
How to Make Instant Pot Apple Cider
- Place sliced apples and oranges into the pot.
- Add all spices on top of the fruit.
- Add enough water into the pot to cover the fruit (around a gallon).
- Turn Instant Pot on the slow cook-high setting.
- Allow to cook on high setting for 3 ½ hours.
- When the fruit is soft enough, mash with a large spoon.
- Leaving all spices and mashed fruit in the pot, continue cooking on the low setting for 1 hour.
- Allow cooling for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain cider with cheesecloth into a pitcher. Discard all solids. (Strain cider twice for best results)
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to core apples before making cider?
Ultimately, this choice is up to you. However, I’ve found that it’s easier to leave the cores and peels of the apples intact when making instant pot apple cider. If you’re concerned about pesticides getting into your drink, be sure to use organic apples!
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Absolutely! Ginger, star anise, and cardamom are all warm spices that would pair nicely with this drink. Add maple syrup or honey to naturally sweeten your hot cider.
What should you spike apple cider with?
The sweet, crisp flavor of apple pairs well with dark alcohol such as rum, brandy, bourbon, or whisky. Some even enjoy adding a splash of flavored tequila to their hot apple cider.
Can I make apple cider in an Instant Pot with apple juice instead of whole apples?
Yes! Simply substitute each apple for approximately ¾ cup of apple juice and omit about half of the water. The apple flavor may not be as strong, but it will still be tasty.
Can I use the Instant Pot to keep the cider warm for serving?
Most likely, yes! Many instant pot models have a “keep warm” function that will maintain a low temperature for your cider.
How to Serve and Store Instant Pot Hot Apple Cider
Serve this Instant Pot apple cider warm in a pitcher or punch bowl; it’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday party! You can even fill a thermos with your cider if you are on the go. I recommend refrigerating any leftover cider for up to 7 days or freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw any frozen cider in the fridge overnight before reheating over medium heat on the stovetop.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- A mixed variety of sweet and sour apples will give this drink a unique flavor every time. Try combining a few Gala or Fuji with some Braeburn or Granny Smith apples.
- After mashing the softened fruit with a large spoon in the pot, strain the cider with a cheesecloth twice for the best results.
- Try adding other types of fruit to this cider to give it a sweet or tangy twist. Lemons, cranberries, clementines, or even pears would all be great additions.
More Recipes:
Instant Pot Apple Cider
This Instant Pot Apple Cider is a cozy drink perfect for sipping on in the cold months. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that is sure to add a ton of warm cheer to your next holiday party or family get-together.
Ingredients
- 11 Apples- sliced (variety of sweet and sour)
- 1 Orange- peeled and sliced
- 5 Cinnamon sticks
- ¾ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Whole cloves
- 2 ½ Ground nutmeg
- Fresh Water
- Ingredient Notes
- Apples—I prefer the tart flavor of Honeycrisp, McIntosh, or Pink Lady apples.
- Orange—This tangy citrus will enhance the sweet apple flavor.
- Cinnamon—Whole sticks will add warmth to this hot drink.
- Brown Sugar—Adds just the right amount of caramelly sweetness.
- Whole Cloves—Pair perfectly with the spicy cinnamon.
- Ground Nutmeg—Adds just the right amount of heat to this wintry drink.
Instructions
- Place sliced apples and oranges into the pot.
- Add all spices on top of the fruit.
- Add enough water into the pot to cover the fruit (around a gallon).
- Turn Instant Pot on the slow cook-high setting.
- Allow to cook on high setting for 3 ½ hours.
- When the fruit is soft enough, mash with a large spoon.
- Leaving all spices and mashed fruit in the pot, continue cooking on the low setting for 1 hour.
- Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain cider with cheesecloth into a pitcher. Discard all solids. (Strain cider twice for best results)
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Refrigerate leftover cider for up to 7 days. Reheat on the stove.
Cider can be frozen for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Notes
Equipment You’ll Need
No need to sweat over a hot stove to make this delicious hot apple cider. This cozy drink is made entirely in an Instant Pot! And, besides the pressure cooker, all you’ll need to make this sweet and spicy drink is a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a large spoon, and some cheesecloth.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- A mixed variety of sweet and sour apples will give this drink a unique flavor every time. Try combining a few Gala or Fuji with some Braeburn or Granny Smith apples.
- After mashing the softened fruit with a large spoon in the pot, strain the cider with a cheesecloth twice for best results. Add Cinnamon sticks.
- Try adding other types of fruit to this cider to give it a sweet or tangy twist. Lemons, cranberries, clementines, or even pears would all be great additions.
Nutrition Information
Yield
64Serving Size
1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 37Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 1mgSodium 4mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 0g
