How to Make Your Own Apple Cider for Thanksgiving
Impress everyone with these recipes
Apple cider is a quintessential beverage synonymous with Fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Whether you're looking for refreshing drinks, creative recipes, or even a homemade adult twist, apple cider has something for everyone.
Do you know the difference between apple cider and apple juice. Want to delve into some delectable apple cider recipes? Ready to impress your guests and learn how to make hard apple cider at home? Read on.
When you are ready, download the Visit NC Farms app (Apple / Android) to find the freshest apples and ciders around the state at our local farms and farmer markets.
Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice: Understanding the Difference
Many people use the terms "apple cider" and "apple juice" interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two:
Processing
Apple Cider: It is typically made by pressing and crushing fresh apples, which results in a cloudy, unfiltered, and slightly pulpy beverage. It retains more of the apple's natural flavors and aromas.
Apple Juice: Apple juice undergoes filtration and pasteurization processes, removing solids and extending shelf life. This results in a clear and sweeter liquid.
Taste and Texture
Apple Cider: It has a more robust apple flavor, often with a slightly tart note. The beverage is cloudy and may contain apple sediment, making it a thicker, more textured drink.
Apple Juice: Apple juice is clear, smooth, and has a sweeter taste due to the removal of solids and the pasteurization process.
Seasonality
Apple Cider: Apple cider is usually available in the fall, when apples are freshly harvested. Its availability is limited to the apple season.
Apple Juice: Apple juice is available year-round in grocery stores due to its extended shelf life.
Apple Cider's Thanksgiving Tradition
Apple cider is deeply embedded in American Thanksgiving traditions for several reasons:
Seasonal Connection: Thanksgiving is celebrated during the fall, making apple cider a seasonal favorite. Its warmth and cozy flavors perfectly complement the autumn atmosphere. In the North Carolina, Apples reach their peak ripeness in the fall ready for your family to pick and enjoy.
Versatility: Apple cider is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It serves as an excellent accompaniment to Thanksgiving meals, both as a refreshing non-alcoholic option and as an ingredient in various recipes.
Family-Friendly: Apple cider is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly drink for Thanksgiving gatherings. Its rich apple taste is appreciated by both children and adults. Everyone loves it!
Cooking Ingredient: Apple cider is frequently used in Thanksgiving recipes, such as glazes for roasted turkey, ham, and as a base for scrumptious gravies. Its natural sweetness enhances the flavors of dishes, providing a unique touch to traditional Thanksgiving meals.
Apple Cider Recipes for Thanksgiving
Here are a few delightful apple cider recipes to elevate your celebration. These recipes scored the highest marks among users. The best part is making a quality apple cider takes very little preparation as it is made by cooking low and slow.
All Recipes Homemade Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Allspice
Delish Magazine Apple Cider with Orange, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice and Nutmeg
Gimme Some Oven Crockpot or Instapot Apple Cider
How to Make Hard Apple Cider & Apple Cider Cocktails
If you're looking to take your apple cider experience to the next level, consider making hard apple cider. Hard apple cider includes alcohol. Don’t be fooled by that canned stuff you can get at any grocery store. Those are preserved to the point where fresh apples aren’t part of the equation. You want to impress guests, your own hard cider is the way to go. Here are some highly rated cocktail recipes.
We only linked to cocktail mixing recipes as making actual fermented hard cider is much harder and requires equipment that most of us do not have. If you are are looking for your own fermented cider tutorial, this one was highly rated: Grow Forage Cook Ferment.
Apple cider, with its unique taste, seasonal charm, and versatility, holds a special place in Thanksgiving traditions. Whether enjoyed as a traditional non-alcoholic beverage or incorporated into a variety of recipes, apple cider adds a delightful touch to the holiday season. For those looking to experiment, making hard apple cider at home can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Embrace the flavors of autumn and Thanksgiving with the many wonders of apple cider.
