Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider
by Amanda Keefer
This Instant Pot Apple Cider only has a simple ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes! We love warming up on a crisp Fall day with a cup of hot apple cider.
There’s something about a cup of warm apple cider on a chilly fall or winter night that makes this time of year magical. Make a homemade batch of this apple cider in the Instant Pot, grab a mug and curl up with your family for movie night.
What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?
Well, they are both the juice from apples, but apple cider is unfiltered and unsweetened. Apple cider is mostly popular around Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Apple cider can be served cold, but it is typically served warm. Adults will sometimes spike apple cider for a non-kid-friendly option 😉
What apples are best to use when making homemade apple cider?
It really depends on the apples you like to eat at home. Sweet? Tart? You can learn more about the different types of apples here. Personally, we like to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith.
Can you only use one type of apple when making homemade apple cider?
Nope! Feel free to experiment and use what you have on hand. Personally, I love all apples, so I don’t see anything wrong with mixing in a few different ones, but that’s totally up to you!
Why add oranges to apple cider?
The oranges add a boost of flavor and acidity to your homemade apple cider. The citrus pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
Can you make homemade apple cider without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! To make hot apple cider in the slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and let it cook all day (low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3) and have your house smell amazing! After the allotted time, mash the fruits with a wooden spoon and cook for another hour or so. Strain if needed.
To make hot apple cider on the stove, you will follow the same instructions but put everything in a big pot on the stove. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover and allow it to cook for about 2 hours. After the 2 hours, mash the fruit, allow to simmer again, then strain as needed.
When is the best time to have hot apple cider?
Whenever you want it! We love it in the morning with these pumpkin pancakes or this upside down apple pancake. But a nice warm cup of apple cider is also perfect in the evening with a simple apple puff pastry.
Recipe and photography courtesy of Jodi of Create Kids Club.
Keeping Your Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider Warm
To keep your Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider warm, you can use the “Keep Warm” function on your Instant Pot. After the cider has finished cooking and you have released the pressure, simply press the “Keep Warm” button to maintain a steady temperature. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can transfer the cider to a slow cooker set on low or warm to keep it hot throughout the day. You can also pour the cider into a large thermal carafe or insulated dispenser to keep it warm for several hours. If the cider starts to cool down too much, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Ways to Customize Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider
One of the best things about this Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. For a sweeter cider, add more brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of fresh ginger. You can also experiment with different types of apples to create unique flavor profiles. Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for a balanced taste. For a more adult version, add a shot of rum, bourbon, or brandy to each serving. You can also garnish the cider with fresh fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Tips for Doubling or Tripling the Recipe
If you’re serving a large crowd or want to have leftovers, you can easily double or triple this Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. You may also need to add more water to ensure that the apples are fully submerged and can cook evenly. But, be sure not to fill your Instant Pot past the maximum fill line to avoid overflow and ensure proper cooking. If you don’t have a large enough Instant Pot, you can make multiple batches or use a slow cooker or stovetop method instead.
Best Occasions to Serve Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider
This Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider is perfect for serving at a variety of fall and winter gatherings. It’s a cozy and comforting drink that will warm up your guests on a chilly day. Serve it at a Halloween party alongside some spooky snacks, or make it the signature drink at your Thanksgiving feast. It’s also a great addition to a holiday cookie exchange or Christmas party. You can even set up a DIY cider bar with various toppings and mix-ins for guests to customize their own drinks. This cider is also perfect for sipping on a quiet night at home, curled up with a good book or movie. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a special treat.
Commonly Asked Questions About Our Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider
Q: What ingredients do you need to make Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider?
A: To make Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider, you will need apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, whole cloves, nutmeg, and water.
Q: How long does it take to make Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider?
A: Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider takes about 30 minutes to make, with 5 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can you make Easy Instant Pot Apple Cider without an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can make apple cider without an Instant Pot. To make it in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3 hours. To make it on the stovetop, simmer all ingredients for about 2 hours.
Instant Pot Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 6 large apples quartered
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange zested, quartered
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole clove
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 7 cups water
Instructions
- Add apples, cinnamon sticks, oranges and zest, brown sugar, cloves and nutmeg to Instant Pot. Pour water over top.
- Place cover on Instant Pot and set to sealing. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, allow to naturally release 10 minutes before venting and removing lid.
- Remove large items with slotted spoon. Strain smaller items using a fine mesh strainer before serving.
