| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 95 | 0g | 0g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 2g | 0g | 0g |
When the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm, spicy aroma of homemade cider wafting through the house. That’s why I love the Crab Apple Cider Recipe. Growing up in Seattle, surrounded by a lush canopy of apple trees and fresh produce markets, this recipe takes me back to those nostalgic days of fall. Blending my Pacific Northwest roots with flavors I cherish, it’s a staple for cool weather gatherings.
The Perfect Fall Beverage
What sets this Crab Apple Cider Recipe apart is its balance of tartness and spice. Crab apples bring a unique tartness that’s hard to replicate with regular apples. Combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, this cider has a depth of flavor that’s both refreshing and warming. It’s a beverage that truly encapsulates the essence of fall in every sip.
Health Benefits
Besides its delightful taste, this cider packs some health benefits. Crab apples are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which boosts the immune system—a vital attribute during the colder months. Additionally, the spices in this recipe are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. For instance, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, and cloves are known for their anti-microbial properties.
Versatility and Pairing
This Crab Apple Cider isn’t just a standalone drink. It’s versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes. Try pairing it with roasted meats, such as a sage-rubbed turkey or a juicy pork roast. It’s also perfect alongside seasonal desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crumble. The cider’s complexity and warmth can elevate simple meals into memorable feasts.
In many ways, this cider is reminiscent of other hot spiced beverages like mulled wine or wassail, but it stands out thanks to the unique tartness of crab apples. If you’re a fan of those traditional holiday drinks, you’ll find something to love in this cider too.
Making this Crab Apple Cider Recipe is a labor of love that fills your home with enchanting aromas and provides a deliciously comforting drink to enjoy with friends and family. For more on the health benefits of apples and spices, check out this Healthline article on apples and this Medical News Today article on the benefits of cinnamon.
What You’ll Need
- 10 cups of fresh crab apples, quartered
- 8 cups of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Method
Step One
Rinse the fresh crab apples thoroughly under cool running water. Quarter the crab apples, removing any seeds.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the quartered crab apples and 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step Three
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and mushy.
Step Four
Strain the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, pressing the apples to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the apple pulp.
Step Five
Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, whole allspice, and ground nutmeg to the strained liquid. Stir well to combine.
Step Six
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step Seven
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and allow the cider to cool slightly.
Step Eight
Strain the cider one more time to remove the spices and any remaining solids.
Step Nine
Serve the crab apple cider warm, or let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate for later use. Enjoy!
