Instant Pot Apple Cider
There’s just something about the thought of sipping on a cozy cup of warm apple cider that just screams fall! This recipe for Instant Pot apple cider is the easiest way to get that homemade apple cider goodness anytime you want!
Sure, it’s perfect for cold weather, but it’s also just as delicious served cold in the summer. It’s infused with the flavor of apples of course, but the addition of orange, brown sugar, and all those warming spices gives it a sweet and tart balance that makes each sip better than the last.
The pressure cooker does an amazing job of releasing all of those rich flavors with just 15 minutes of cooking time. The longer it sits in your cup, the more the flavors get to meld together. It is just so good!
Whip up a batch in no time, and with very little effort. It’s great for holiday entertaining, and the kids love it. You can adjust the level of sweetness and spices used, and if desired, add a little something extra in there for the adults! If you’re looking for another apple idea that’ll feed a crowd, try this caramel apple bar or baked apple chips.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Apple Cider
- This quick and easy recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Add all of the ingredients, close the lid and the Instant Pot does the rest. There is no simmering on the stovetop!
- It’s delicious. Apple cider has this deep robust flavor but is also made a bit more complex thanks to the spices, sugar, and citrus.
- Fall vibes call for fall flavors. Apples are definitely one of them! As are the cinnamon, allspice, and cloves!
- Served in a punch bowl or individual cups, your guests will love sipping on this delicious drink.
Ingredients Needed
- Apples – I like to use an assortment of apples. Some sweeter some more tart. Use what you like and be sure to wash them and cut them into quarters.
- Oranges – Thick wedges of orange will be added to infuse that beautiful sweet citrus flavor. Orange pairs well well with cinnamon and brown sugar just as well as apples do.
- Spices – Cinnamon Sticks, whole cloves, and allspice (whole or ground) are a powerhouse of delicious spices.
- Sweetener – Your sweetener of choice! I use brown sugar, but you use what you like.
- Fresh cranberries – Optional, but recommended! Another pop of citrus but with a bit of tartness to it.
How to Make Apple Cider in the Instant Pot
Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.
Step 1: Add 12 cups of water to the Instant Pot. To that, add all of the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Step 2: Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release for the remaining pressure.
Step 4: Open the lid and mash the fruits with a potato masher.
Step 5: Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve and capture the liquid in a glass jar or canister. Do a taste test and add more sugar, if needed.
Enjoy hot or cold!
Tips for Success
- The Instant Pot comes in different models. If your button says Manual it means the same thing as Pressure Cook.
- Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to avoid a ton of splatter and let the flavors infuse together. Do not leave it for too long or the orange rinds will cause the apple cider to become bitter.
- If serving cider from a punch bowl, or a canister, add in some fresh apple and orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for added presentation.
- Some people enjoy a bit of the pulp in their cider. If that’s you, feel free to not completely strain all of it out. You can add some back in if preferred.
Best Apple to Use?
Depending on how sweet or tart you like your cider, that will help you determine which apples to pick up! I prefer to use a variety of them covering the flavor spectrum that way it gives it a nice balance. Some of the sweeter options are Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala apples. On the opposite end, you’ll find Granny Smith, Braeburn, McIntosh, and Pink Lady apples.
Are there other spices I can add?
Sure! Star anise is a popular one, as is cardamom and allspice. You can also play around with the number of spices. Add more cinnamon sticks if you’d like, or completely omit the additional flavors altogether.
Other than brown sugar, what I can use to sweeten apple cider?
Maple syrup and honey are great choices. Maple syrup is already definitely on par with fall flavors and honey pairs so well with orange and cinnamon. You can also use agave or granulated sugar.
Storing Suggestions
Keep stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. To reheat a bigger batch, you can use the Instant Pot and set it to the warm function. Otherwise, a small pot on the stovetop on low heat will work. If it’s just one cup, the microwave is the easiest way to go.
RECIPE
Instant Pot Apple Cider
Equipment
- Instant Pot, 6 quarts or larger
Ingredients
- 10 apples, assorted varieties, quartered or sliced
- 2 oranges, thickly sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon allspice (whole or ground)
- ½ cup sweetener of choice (brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave, granulated sugar)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- To the instant pot, add 12 cups of water. Then, add all the ingredients: apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, whole clove, whole spice, and brown sugar. Stir well.
- Close the lid, making sure the steam release valve is turned to the sealing position. Set the instant pot to PRESSURE COOK (or Manual for older models) on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest of the pressure. Then, mash the fruits with a potato masher and strain the apple cider through a fine-mesh sieve. Do a taste test and add more sweetener, if needed.
- Serve hot or cold.
Notes
- Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to avoid a ton of splatter and let the flavors infuse together. Do not leave it for too long or the orange rinds will cause the apple cider to become bitter.
- If serving cider from a punch bowl, or a canister, add in some fresh apple and orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for added presentation.
- Some people enjoy a bit of the pulp in their cider. If that’s you, feel free to not completely strain all of it out. You can add some back in if preferred.