Instant Pot Apple Cider

This Holiday-inspired Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe is quick to make, wholesome and so so yum! And, this vegan apple cider will keep you warm in this freezing cold. 

Homemade apple cider in instant pot:

If you know me, then I am instant-pot-obsessed off lately. This unique drink can be easily made in stovetop. But yes, you will need to watch the liquid while cooking in a Dutch oven or in a saucepan. But in an instant pot, you don’t need any of these. Because it is made in the pressure cooker with other citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, apples, cranberries and some warming spices such as cinnamon and cloves, it is the best tasting warm cider ever. Plus, I add some sweet basil to it for a fresh herby flavor. 

Apple Cider Drink - Holiday Significance:

Apple cider (also known as cider or sweet cider) is very popular in the USA and Canada during the holiday season. Since there is a bounty of apple harvest during these fall and holiday months, people make this unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage with spices and fresh fruits. Apple cider is very popular and favorite during the fall and holiday months. This is my second instant pot beverage and the first was this instant pot iced tea, which is very easy to make and has a unique tropical flavor. Check this out. 

How to make instant pot apple cider?

Making your own homemade apple cider from scratch couldn’t be easier when you use this versatile kitchen gadget: the Instant Pot. All of those delicious sweet apples and citrus fruits release their flavors that infuse with the spicy notes in just 15 minutes of cooking time (minus the pressure and natural release time).

To start off, you need a few varieties of apples. You can always take green, red, Fuji or whatever available. I have taken Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala apples for this recipe. You will also need some oranges - and I have taken sweet Texas oranges. In addition, you can take a few more citrus fruits or just lemon slices for this recipe. In the instant pot inner pot, place sliced apples, the orange, lemon, chopped and fresh cranberries(optional) and add six cups of water. Make sure the water level covers the fruits. Now add some spices - one cinnamon stick, some cloves, and one star anise. For a nice and sweet aroma, add some sweet holy basil leaves. This is, however, an optional step. You can always choose different herbs and spices to customize the apple cider just the way you want. Other spice and herb combinations that I love are:

• Cardamom and ginger
• Basil and turmeric root
• Only Cinnamon 
• Chai spice blend 
• Gingerbread spices 

If you don’t like strong spices, feel free to skip them or add just a little. However, I strongly suggest adding them as it adds a wonderful aroma and a depth in flavor to this awesome apple cider drink.

Instant pot apple cider recipe:

Ingredients:

7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, gala, honey crisp or anything you have handy) - cored and chopped or sliced, 1 medium orange (peeled and sliced or cut into segments), 1 medium-sized lemon (peeled and cut into segments), ½ cup fresh cranberries, 1 cinnamon sticks, ½ teaspoons whole cloves, 1 whole star anise, six cups or enough water to cover fruit, sweetener of your choice (for serving), few leaves of sweet basil or holy basil

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped apples, orange, lemon and cranberries into the inner pot. Add all the spices - cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise and add herbs if using.
2. Now add enough water to cover the fruits. Place the lid on and turn the vent to the sealed position. Now pressure cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. 
3. Allow to naturally release(which may take up to 20-minutes) or you can do a quick release after 10 minutes of wait time. 
4. Once the valve goes down, open the lid.
5. Use a whisker to gently mix the fruit pulps in the water. You can also mash the fruit with a potato masher, so they release the juices.
6. Now use a bit kitchen strainer or mesh sieve to strain the liquid and separate the solids from the liquids. Discard the spices, fruit skins and herbs and store the cider in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
7. Always serve the cider warm, with a sweetener or just the way you like.

Serving Suggestions:

You can add any sweetener of your choice or enjoy the natural sugar in the fruits. Some of the best options are maple syrup, stevia, and organic coconut sugar. I always prefer not to add sugar while cooking and serve with sweeteners so that people can choose whatever they like. Serve your instant pot apple cider warm, spiked or at room temperature. This amazing drink can also be served with some whipping cream and caramel-like a dessert drink. (That’s how my kids love this drink)

📖 Recipe

Here are some more instant pot beverages that you will love:

• Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
• Instant Pot Iced Tea
• Keto pumpkin spice latte