Autumn in a Glass: Homemade Pear and Apple Cider Recipe

As the leaves start to don their vibrant autumn hues and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a warm, comforting mug of homemade Pear Apple Cider. This delightful concoction captures the essence of the season, combining the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the familiar warmth of apples. Let’s embark on a journey to create this liquid gold that will undoubtedly become a fall favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
• 4 ripe pears
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 16 cups water

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Mug or glass for serving
• Optional: Cinnamon sticks or apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Wash, core, and roughly chop the apples and pears. You can leave the skins on for added flavor and color.
2. Simmer the Fruits: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, pears, cinnamon stick, cloves, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and grated ginger. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure you have enough water to cover the fruits.
3. Reduce and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the ingredients simmer for about 1-2 hours. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Mash and Infuse: After simmering, use a wooden spoon to mash the softened fruits against the side of the pot. This helps extract more flavor. Allow the mixture to continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Strain the Cider: Once the cider has simmered to perfection, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or another pot. Press down on the fruit solids to extract all the liquid.
6. Serve and Garnish: Pour your homemade Pear Apple Cider into mugs or glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices for a touch of elegance.
7. Enjoy! Sip, savor, and relish the flavors of fall in every comforting sip of your homemade Pear Apple Cider.

With its enticing aroma and soul-warming taste, this homemade Pear Apple Cider is the perfect beverage to accompany cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply to celebrate the beauty of autumn. Experiment with the spice levels and sweetness to tailor it to your preferences, and share the warmth with friends and family. Here’s to autumn in a glass – cheers!