Drinks

Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe

ByMaya Arden August 31, 2026August 31, 2026

Introduction

Instant Pot Apple Cider is a warm, comforting beverage perfect for chilly days and festive gatherings. Made with a blend of fresh apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness, this homemade cider fills your kitchen with cozy aromas.

A clear glass cup with a wavy rim is filled almost to the top with bright orange pumpkin drink, showing a smooth and creamy texture. Inside the drink near the surface, a dark toasted cinnamon stick floats horizontally, adding contrast. The cup has a small clear handle on the right side, and there are blurred glasses with the same orange drink and a glass bottle in the background. Two cinnamon sticks lie on the white marbled surface near the front right of the main cup. The soft lighting highlights the drink’s warm color and the glass’s delicate details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8-10 medium apples (mixed varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith)
1 large orange (peeled and sliced)

3 cinnamon sticks
4-5 whole cloves

1-2 star anise
1 inch piece of fresh ginger (sliced)

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)

10-12 cups water

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and roughly chop the apples, removing the cores but leaving the peels on. Peel and slice the orange, then place both in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, ground allspice, and your choice of sweetener if using. Pour in 10 to 12 cups of water, enough to cover the fruit completely.

Step 3: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on High for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before opening the lid.
Step 4: Use a potato masher to mash the softened apples and oranges inside the pot, helping to release their flavors into the liquid.
Step 5: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 6: Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra orange slices or cinnamon sticks if you like.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.

For a boozy twist, stir in a splash of bourbon or rum just before serving.
Adjust sweetener to your preference or omit it for a naturally sweet cider.

Storage

Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

A clear glass cup with a rounded shape and a handle is filled with a warm orange-colored drink. Inside the drink, there is a bright orange slice floating on the surface, accompanied by a dark brown cinnamon stick resting diagonally. The background shows a white marbled tabletop with blurred red apples and a small container with cinnamon sticks in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use just one type of apple?

Yes, but using a mix of apple varieties provides a more complex and balanced flavor to the cider.

Do I need to peel the apples and orange?

No need to peel the apples; their skins add flavor and nutrients. The orange should be peeled and sliced to avoid bitterness from the pith.

Maya Arden