Easy Homemade Apple Cider Recipe for Cozy Country Living

Fall has a certain magic in the countryside. Out here, you don’t just notice the change in the air or the colors of the season — you feel surrounded by it. With wide-open views, rural life offers the perfect place to take it all in.

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but it often feels like it passes too quickly. At Compeer Home, we find one of the best ways to slow down and savor the season is with a comforting mug of apple cider.

A fall favorite at its core, apple cider brings the taste of fall to your table with every warm, spiced sip. It’s a delicious tradition and a reminder that fall in the country is made special by the simple comforts shared with family and friends. 

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 10–12 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
• 1 orange, quartered (optional, for brightness)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries (or 1 teaspoon ground allspice)
• ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste – more for sweeter cider, less for tart)
• 12 cups of water

Instructions 

You can make this on a stovetop or in a slow cooker if you’d rather set it and forget it. 

Stovetop Method

1. Wash apples, then cut them into quarters (no need to peel or core).
2. Place apples, orange, spices and sugar in a large pot.
3. Add water until everything is covered.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Mash apples with a spoon to release more flavor, then simmer for another 30 minutes.
6. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pot or pitcher. Serve warm and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Method

1. Add apples, orange, spices, sugar and water to your slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4).
3. Mash apples with a spoon, then cook another 30 minutes.
4. Strain and serve straight from the slow cooker to keep it warm for gatherings.

Serving Tip

Enjoy it plain or dress it up with a cinnamon stick or slice of apple in each mug. Store leftovers in the fridge and warm up a cozy cup whenever you need a taste of fall.

Sip and Share

Homemade apple cider is one of those simple traditions that make fall in the country feel extra special. Whether you’re enjoying it around the kitchen table or a bonfire, it’s a treat that creates comfort wherever you are.

If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear about it! Let us know if you make a batch and share it with family and friends.

At Compeer Home, we don’t just help you find your place in the country. We celebrate the way of life that comes with it. Discover more inspiration on our rural lifestyle page.