Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider

Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider — Fancy a hot drink to warm you up? This spiced apple cider is the perfect way to do it! The ingredients are simple, and there’s no need for any cooking.

Place everything in the Instant Pot, and press start. You’ll have a nice cup of spicy apple cider in less than 10 minutes. It’s perfect for chilly fall evenings or any time of year when you want something different from your usual hot cocoa!

Welcome to my version of Thanksgiving. Over the next few weeks, I will cook all my Thanksgiving Dishes via Instant Pot; this is a great recipe for holiday parties or a comforting drink after a long day.

Today, it’s an easy recipe. The nice part of this recipe is you don’t have to peel the apples. So, although it looks like a hard project, you only need a few good materials to help you along the way.

Some of my other easy Air Fryer Beverage Recipes you can serve anytime are INSTANT POT SWEET TEA AND Instant Pot SPICED MILK TEA (MASALA CHAI).

What Is Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a drink that has been around for centuries because it’s so delicious. It’s made by crushing apples into juice and then letting it ferment until it becomes alcohol. But not all apple ciders are created equal! There are many different types of apple cider, but you should look for one, mostly organic or raw, to get the full benefits from this ancient beverage.

Cider is a drink that has been around since the early colonial days. It’s made from apples and can be enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage. What is cider? Cider is a popular drink in North America, especially in the fall when apple crops are abundant. Cider production typically involves crushing apples into a pulp with some press until all the juice has been extracted. This turns into what we know as apple cider – an enjoyable beverage to have on cool autumn evenings!​

Why Make Cider In Instant Pot Pressure Cooker?

Making cider in an Instant Pot pressure cooker offers several advantages that make it a convenient and efficient method:

• Speed: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods or slow cookers. It allows you to enjoy homemade cider in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings.
• Flavor Infusion: The pressure cooking process helps extract maximum flavor from the apples and spices. The sealed environment allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful cider.
• One-Pot Convenience: You can cook and strain the cider in the same appliance as the Instant Pot. This eliminates the need for multiple pots, strainers, and additional cleanup.
• Consistency: Pressure cooking ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the cider, resulting in a consistent and well-balanced taste.
• Natural Pectin Release: Keeping the apple peels and seeds in the Instant Pot helps release natural pectin, which contributes to the cider’s body and mouthfeel, giving it a slightly thicker texture.
• Customizable: You have full control over the sweetness and level of spices, allowing you to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: Once you load the ingredients into the Instant Pot and set the timer, there’s little need for active monitoring, allowing you to attend to other tasks or relax.
• Safe and User-Friendly: The Instant Pot is designed with safety features, including pressure release valves and automated settings, making it user-friendly and safe to use, even for those new to pressure cooking.
• Versatile: The Instant Pot can handle pressure and slow cooking, giving you flexibility in preparing various dishes beyond cider.

In summary, making cider in an Instant Pot pressure cooker offers convenience, speed, and flavor benefits, making it an excellent choice for preparing this classic fall beverage. It’s a practical method that lets you enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of spiced apple cider with minimal effort.​

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider

Get ready to infuse your home with the irresistible aroma of autumn with this Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider recipe. You can create a warm, comforting beverage perfect for sipping on crisp fall evenings or serving at holiday gatherings using a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s dive into the handful of ingredients that will make your kitchen feel like a cozy apple orchard in no time.

​Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.​

• Apples: Fresh apples are the heart of this spiced apple cider, imparting their natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the brew.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon sticks infuse the cider with a warm and earthy spice, enhancing its autumnal aroma and taste.
• Cloves: Whole cloves provide a rich, earthy depth and a subtle hint of peppery warmth, complementing the sweet apples.
• Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a touch of nuttiness and complexity to the cider’s flavor profile, elevating its overall spiciness.
• Star Anise: Star anise brings a unique licorice-like note and a gentle anise flavor that marries beautifully with the other spices.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides sweetness and depth, creating a balanced and slightly caramelized sweetness in the cider.
• Water: Water serves as the base for the cider, allowing all the ingredients to meld together during the Instant Pot cooking process, resulting in a rich and flavorful spiced apple cider.

How To Make Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider

Making Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider is a delightful and straightforward process, resulting in a comforting and aromatic beverage that captures the essence of fall. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

​

Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and roughly chop the apples, including the peel. Removing the seeds is unnecessary; they’ll add extra flavor and natural pectin.

Load the Instant Pot: Place the chopped apples into the Instant Pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg), star anise pods, and brown sugar.

Add Water: Pour the 8 cups of water over the apple and spice mixture, ensuring the apples are fully covered.

Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the time to 10 minutes on high pressure.

Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) set cook time for 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Carefully release any remaining pressure manually. A quick release will not work in this recipe. 

Mash the Apples: Mash the softened apples directly in the Instant Pot using a potato masher, immersion blender,  or a large wooden spoon. This will release their juices and flavor.

Strain the Cider: Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Carefully ladle the hot spiced apple mixture through the strainer, allowing the liquid to collect in the container below. Use a spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible.

Serve Hot: Your Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot in mugs or cups. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks or apple slices if desired.

Store Any Leftovers: If you have leftover cider, let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Optional: Reheat Before Serving: When reheating, add more brown sugar or spices to adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking.

Now you can savor the warm and aromatic goodness of homemade Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider, perfect for autumn gatherings or chilly evenings or simply as a comforting treat. Enjoy the taste of fall in every sip!

​Recipe Variations

Certainly, you can try to customize several delightful variations of Instant Pot Apple Cider to your liking. Here are some recipe variations:

• Spiced Apple Cider: Follow the basic recipe, but enhance the spiciness by adding more cinnamon sticks, whole spices, whole cloves, star anise, and a few slices of fresh ginger. Simmer with the apples for a richer, spiced flavor. Garnish with orange slices.
• Caramel Apple Cider: Stir generous caramel sauce or butterscotch syrup into your finished apple cider for a sweet and indulgent twist.
• Berry-Infused Cider: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to the apples before pressure cooking for a fruity and slightly tart flavor.
• Maple Apple Cider: Replace some or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and a touch of maple flavor.
• Citrus-Infused Cider: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the cider for a refreshing and zesty citrus kick.
• Mulled Wine-Style Cider: Spike your apple cider by adding a cup of red wine, a few slices of orange, and some cloves for a mulled wine-inspired variation.
• Apple Pie Cider: Infuse your cider with the flavors of apple pie by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of vanilla extract.
• Cranberry Apple Cider: Combine apple cider with cranberry juice or sauce for a festive and tangy twist. Garnish with fresh cranberries. 
• Honey Apple Cider: Replace brown sugar with honey for a smoother and more delicate sweetness.
• Chai-Spiced Cider: Add chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai spices like cardamom, cloves, and black pepper for a fragrant and spiced apple chai cider.
• Gingerbread Apple Cider: Include gingerbread spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a warm and comforting gingerbread-inspired cider.
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider: Add pumpkin spice seasoning or a dollop of puree for a cozy and autumnal flavor.
• Cinnamon Roll Apple Cider: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sugar for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
• Cherry Vanilla Cider: Add a touch of cherry juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a fruity and aromatic twist.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own unique combinations to make your Instant Pot Apple Cider a special and seasonal treat. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall in every sip!

​Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider requires some pro tips to make your brew rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. Here are some expert suggestions to elevate your cider-making game:

• Select a Variety of Apples: Mix different apple varieties, including sweet and tart ones, to create a more complex and balanced flavor profile. This diversity adds depth to your cider. The best apples are gala apples, Pink Lady apples, Granny Smith Apples, or red apples, but any kind of apples will work.
• Use Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Use freshly grated nutmeg whenever possible rather than pre-ground nutmeg. The aroma and flavor of freshly grated nutmeg are far superior.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Brown sugar adds sweetness, but its quantity can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount, and gradually add more if needed. Remember, you can always add sweetness, but reducing it once it’s in the cider is challenging.
• Keep Spices in a Cheesecloth Bag: To make straining easier and prevent small spice particles from ending up in your cider, place the whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise) in a cheesecloth bag or a tea infuser before adding them to the Instant Pot. You can also use a fine mesh strainer to remove the apple pulp.
• Natural Release for Fuller Flavor: Allowing a natural pressure release (NPR) for 10-15 minutes before manually releasing the pressure can help extract more flavor from the ingredients.
• Mash Apples Thoroughly: Use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash the cooked apples effectively. The more you mash, the more juice you’ll extract, resulting in a richer cider.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Garnish your cider with fresh apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod for an appealing presentation and extra flavor.
• Serve with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim: If you want to take your cider up a notch, wet the rim of your mugs and dip them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before pouring in the cider.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating leftover cider, gently on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid boiling it, as this can alter the flavor and texture.
• Add a Splash of Sparkling Water: Mix your spiced apple cider with sparkling water or soda for a refreshing twist to create an apple cider spritzer.
• Make It Adult-Friendly: If you’re serving adults, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to individual servings for a spirited variation.

With these pro tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a spiced apple cider that’s rich, aromatic, and tailor-made to your taste. It’s the perfect beverage to warm up your fall and winter gatherings. 

Faq’s Delicious Instant Pot Apple Cider

Can I use apple juice instead of fresh apples for this recipe? While using apple juice is convenient, fresh apples provide a more authentic and flavorful result. Fresh apples release natural juices during cooking, contributing to the cider’s taste and body.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices? Yes, you can use ground spices if you don’t have whole spices. Start with smaller quantities and adjust to taste, as ground spices can be more potent.

Do I need to peel the apples? No, you don’t need to peel the apples. Leaving the peels on adds flavor and natural pectin to the cider, enhancing its texture.

Can I make this cider with fewer or no spices? Absolutely. You can customize the level of spiciness or omit specific spices to suit your taste preferences.

How can I make this cider less sweet? To reduce the sweetness, use less brown sugar or omit it entirely. Taste and adjust before serving.

Can I make this cider in advance and reheat it later? Yes, you can make the cider in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How long can I store leftover cider, and how should I store it? You can store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to a week. Transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can I freeze this cider for longer storage? Yes, you can freeze cider for extended storage. Use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and leave some room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove, covered, until the apples are soft and fully cooked.

What can I do with the leftover apple pulp after straining the cider?– You can use the leftover apple pulp as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream or as an ingredient in baking recipes like muffins or apple bread.

Can I make this cider without brown sugar for a healthier option?– Certainly. You can use an alternative sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute for a healthier version.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce
• INSTANT POT SWEET POTATO PUDDING
• EASY INSTANT POT COPYCAT BISTRO PANERA FRENCH ONION SOUP
• INSTANT POT PANERA CREAMY TOMATO SOUP COPYCAT RECIPE
• INSTANT POT BLUEBERRY CAKE

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Don’t Forget To Follow Us Along on Social Media; Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and Join Our Facebook Page and group for all your Air Fryer Recipes and Tips!