Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Apple Cider Recipe
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It’s a naturally wholesome drink: gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and free from refined sugar (unless you choose to sweeten it).
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The flavor is rich and comforting — apples, citrus, and warm spices infuse together for a deeply aromatic cider.
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It’s quick and simple: just toss the fruit and spices into the pressure cooker, set it, then strain — minimal prep and fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Water
Apples
Oranges
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Allspice berries
Whole nutmeg
(Optional) Star anise
(Optional) Sweetener of choice (such as honey, white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup)
Directions
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Wash the apples and oranges, then cut them into halves or quarters (leave the skins on) and discard the apple cores.
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Place the apples and oranges into the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Pour in the water, then add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, and optional star anise.
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Close and seal the lid. Set the cooker to High Pressure/manual and cook for 15 minutes.
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Allow a full natural release of pressure. Open the lid and use a potato masher to press down on the fruit to release more flavor.
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Place a fine-mesh strainer (or cheesecloth over a strainer) over a large heat-safe bowl. Carefully pour the contents into the strainer to filter out solids.
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If desired, stir in sweetener while the cider is still hot after straining.
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Transfer to a jug or heat-safe container. Serve warm or let cool and refrigerate for later use.
Servings and timing
Yields about 12 servings. Total time is approximately 35 minutes — 5 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of pressure cooking, plus time for natural release and straining.
Variations
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For extra sweetness, stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener of your choice.
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Add other fruits: pears, peaches, or plums complement apples nicely.
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Swap or add citrus: use lemon or lime for a more tart variation.
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Add berries: fresh or frozen cranberries bring a festive twist.
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Skip stronger-flavored spices: omit star anise for a milder cider.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cider in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It can also be served cold.
FAQs
What kinds of apples should I use?
Use sweet apples like Gala or Fuji for a sweeter cider, or tart apples like Granny Smith for a more tangy flavor. Mixing both gives a well-balanced result.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
Yes, but the cider may turn out cloudier. Use ground versions sparingly — for example, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon per stick.
Is it necessary to add sweetener?
No, it’s optional. The natural sugars in the fruit and spices are often sweet enough on their own.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of using a pressure cooker?
Yes. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove for about 1-2 hours until the apples are soft, then strain as directed.
Can I use a slow cooker / crock-pot?
Yes. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Then strain and sweeten if desired.
Can I add other fruits to the cider?
Absolutely. Pears, peaches, plums, or even cranberries make great additions and provide unique flavor variations.
What if I don’t like some of the spices (e.g. star anise)?
Feel free to leave out any spices you don’t enjoy. The recipe is flexible and still delicious without every ingredient.
How long will the cider last when stored?
It keeps in the fridge for up to 10 days. If frozen, it lasts up to 6 months.
Can I serve the cider cold instead of warm?
Yes. Chill the cider after straining and store in the fridge. It’s just as tasty served cold.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, you can reduce all the ingredients proportionally to make a smaller quantity.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Apple Cider is an easy, fragrant, and heartwarming drink that brings seasonal joy in every sip. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply cozying up at home, this cider is a flavorful and fuss-free treat that’s sure to become a fall and winter favorite.
