Give your turkey a slightly sweet, holiday-tastic taste this Thanksgiving!
Combine all ingredients except cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Reduce heat and bring the boil down to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. You can simmer longer if you like—the longer you simmer, the more the flavors incorporate into the cider, and the yummier your whole house smells.
When you’re done simmering, remove from heat and add the cold water and ice. Let the brine come to room temperature, then pour it over your turkey in a large pot or brining bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
If your turkey is large (15 pounds or more), you may want to double the brine. If the brine doesn’t quite cover your turkey, add more cold water to bring the liquid level up.
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This was absolutely fabulous! My husband told me that my turkey I made with this brine was the best turkey he has ever eaten. Thank you for this wonderful recipe 
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Serves: 8 Level: Easy
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michellemc on 11.29.2009
I had never tasted a brined turkey, nor had I ever made one myself. I wanted to try something new with my turkey this year so I looked at recipes for brine. We don’t use a lot of salt in my house so I was worried about the turkey or gravy tasting too salty. I picked this recipe to try because of the apple cider and the inclusion of some of my favorite herbs.
I doubled this recipe because I had 23lb bird this year. I didn’t know what to expect as far as flavor, but this did give a subtle, somewhat savory flavor to the turkey, and the drippings (which filled 3/4ths of the roasting pan!) made the best tasting gravy I’ve ever had at Thanksgiving. I was expecting a somewhat stronger flavor but, not having any experience with a brined turkey before, I have no complaints. This turkey was very juicy and tender, and neither the bird nor the gravy had a noticeable salty flavor, which was a big bonus for me.
5 stars!
dixie on 11.28.2009
Used this for my turkey this year and it was moist and flavorful!
mrswebbfisher on 9.12.2009
Thanks for the recipe. I have been wanting to brine a turkey this year. Great to have a recipe with apple cider in it. I think this will do the trick.