Austin Cider Recipe
Make Austin Cider Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cider Base
Spices & Aromatics
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Cider Base
Combine and sweeten
Pour 6 cups fresh apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and stir to combine.
Add beer (optional)
If using the optional beer for complexity and light carbonation, slowly stir in 1 cup dry hard cider or light lager now. If you prefer non-alcoholic or want to keep it purely cider-forward, skip this step and substitute with 1 cup additional apple cider or 1 cup sparkling water added later at serving.
Spices & Aromatics
Add spices
Add 2 whole cinnamon sticks, 6 allspice berries, 6 whole cloves, 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon thin strips of orange peel to the saucepan with the cider.
Simmer gently
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm until it reaches a light simmer (do not boil vigorously). Maintain a gentle simmer for 10 minutes to extract spice aromas and meld flavors.
Steep off heat
After 10 minutes, remove the pan from heat and allow the spices to steep for an additional 10 minutes to deepen flavor without over-extracting bitterness from the citrus peel.
Strain
Strain the warmed cider through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher or bowl to remove cinnamon sticks, berries, cloves, ginger and orange peel. Press gently on solids to extract liquid but avoid forcing bitter pith.
Finishing & Garnish
Brighten and sweeten
While the cider is still warm (but not hot), stir in 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon honey (or agave) until dissolved. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 teaspoon more honey if you prefer it sweeter, or a little more lemon juice to brighten.
Chill or serve warm
To serve warm: ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs and garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. To serve cold: allow the strained cider to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 1–2 hours). For a lighter, spritz-style drink before serving, stir in 1 cup sparkling water or club soda. Add 2 cups ice to pitcher or individual glasses if desired.
Final presentation
Pour into glasses, garnish each with an apple slice (and optional cinnamon stick), and serve immediately. If you included beer earlier, serve immediately to retain carbonation; if you added sparkling water at the end, do so right before serving.