Homemade Apple Cider

Pour water into stockpot and set to medium heat. Add apples, spices, sweetener, and oranges and simmer covered for 1 hour.

After 1 hour, mash ingredients with a potato masher and continue to simmer covered for another 2 hours. Let cool.

Using a mesh strainer, pour mixture through strainer into a wide-mouthed bowl. Repeat 2 to 3 times more or until grittiness is removed and cider tastes and feels smooth.

Store in glass jars for about a week in the refrigerator or 3–6 months in the freezer.

Note: You can also make this using a crockpot following the same instructions and warming it for about 8–10 hours. Mash ingredients with a potato masher after about 3 hours of cooking. You will likely not lose as much liquid through evaporation. Taste a few times throughout the cooking process to adjust spices as needed.