This is the season for apple cider. You could easily buy ot at your local farm or store yet you can also make ypur own. Homemade cider is pretty easy to make. Best of all you can customize it to suit your tastes.
It all starts with apples. The flavor depends on what you use and what you like , Gala or Fuji apples have a very sweet flavor so if you like a candy like drink use them.MCIntosh and Pink Lady impart a tarter flavor , perfect for those who want a true apple taste. You can also vary them too, with using five apples of one kind and five of another. You should be using ten apples in total. As for sweetening , use three quarters cup white sugar. There is also one tablespoon each of nutmeg and all spice to give it that autumnal spice flavor. Since this is a non- press cider it can be made in a stockpot or even a crockpot. If you use te last then figure a twelve hour simmering should do it. Remember that the cider will only last a week in the fridge. (although that probably won't happen). You can freeze it if you want. Just use a tightly covered pitcher or jar for this,Bad cider will have a froth or foam floating on top along with an acidy taste. If it's this it's on it's way to becoming vinegar,
One plus is that the apples don;tave to be peeled cored or sliced. They cna just be put in the pot as is. The skins will give the cider that rich reddish-amber color.Place the apples in a large stockpot and cover with water two inches above their tops. Add sugar and spices and boil unclovered for one hour. reduce heat to low after this cover and then simmer for two more hours. Strain the apple mixture throw a fine mesh sieve (you can use the flesh skins and cores for the composting). Drain cider a secon time using a fine cheesecloth to get rid of any little impurities. You can serve warm with a cinnamon stick or chilled for a lovely cool drink. Homemade cider can also be used in a variety of fun cocktails. It pairs best with rum and bourbon but you can easily make a caramel apple martini with it. This is combining the cider with butterscotch schnappes and vodka for a sweet fall sip.
Homemade apple cider is a real treat. Try this one for a tasty fall sip.It's a refreshing drink using the best fruit of the season.app