Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice: All About the Popular Fall Drink (2024)

Often dark-hued, slightly opaque, and flavorful, apple cider is synonymous with autumn at the farmers' market and pumpkin patch and well into the holiday season when it’s simmering on the stove. But what is apple cider, and how is it different from apple juice? Here’s all you need to know about the popular fall drink, including if it's best hot or cold.

What Is Apple Cider?

Apple cider is a beverage made from fresh apples, the same main ingredient as apple juice. It’s typically a bit murky and golden-colored (like when you peel an apple and let the inside oxidize) because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized.

However, some apple cider is intentionally pasteurized, as consumers feel safer drinking pasteurized beverages. The USDA currently has no pasteurization requirement for apple cider or apple juice.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

Apple cider is a type of apple juice, but it’s not the same as the apple juice you see for sale at the grocery store. Apple cider is unfiltered. It is made from pressed raw apples and, generally, it doesn't contain additives like other juices or sugars (though it may contain spices, and can always add sweeteners if preferred). Apple juice, however, is filtered and made from cooked apples. It may also be pasteurized to make it sweeter and smoother.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Cider Vinegar

Though many tout the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, it shouldn't be confused with the apple cider drink. To make apple cider vinegar (ACV), apple cider is fermented, making (alcoholic) hard cider, and then fermented a second time to convert the sugar alcohol into acetic acid. The result is a type of vinegar with an acidic, tangy taste used for cooking, cleaning, and hair and skin treatments.

Should You Drink Apple Cider Hot or Cold?

You can drink apple cider either hot or cold—it’s all up to personal preference! Apple cider can be served fresh from the fridge, on ice, or warmed up—typically with cinnamon sticks or additional fall spices.

Some folks also feel safer drinking unpasteurized cider after it has been heated to at least 160 degrees (and cools to taste).If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make a simple hot apple cider from scratch. To make apple cider from scratch, you’ll want to use a variety of apples (from sweet to tart) to create a rich blend of flavors. Here's how to do it:

  1. Wash and prep the apples. Thoroughly wash your apples to remove any dirt or pesticides. There’s no need to peel them, but you'll want to remove the stems and seeds since they tend to be bitter.
  2. Chop and cook the apples. Cut the apples into quarters or small chunks, and plop them in a large pot of water that you'll bring to a boil. (You can also add optional spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, or allspice.) Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Mash and strain the contents. After cooking the apples, use a potato masher or spoon to mash them up. Then, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag to extract the juice.

Once your apple cider is ready, you'll want to try it to check the taste. You can add sweeteners, lemon juice, or other spices as much as your heart desires.

The Difference Between Hard Cider and Apple Cider

All cider starts as nonalcoholic, but hard cider is fermented, which increases its alcohol content. Hard cider is typically sold in cans or bottles, as opposed to soft cider, typically sold by the pint in plastic. Imbibers must be of legal drinking age to purchase and consume hard cider.

“Soft cider is made by pressing fresh apples to extract the juice, which is then bottled and sold,” explains InCider Press, a UK-based cider review company. “Hard cider, on the other hand, involves the addition of yeast to the apple juice to ferment the natural sugars into alcohol. This fermentation process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the desired alcohol content and flavor.”

Hard cider can also be made from pears or a mixture of apples and pears. Hard cider can vary in alcohol content, ranging from 1 to 12% or higher, similar to wine. Hard cider may have sugar added, be dry, effervescent, or have more flavor profiles based on how it's fermented and made.

How to Make Hot Apple Cider

If you're feeling like hot apple cider, it's simple. Here's what you'll need:

  • 1 gallon of apple cider
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
  • 1 orange (sliced)
  • Brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients together, follow these simple steps to make hot apple cider.

  1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. You can also add other spices like star anise if you prefer extra flavor.
  2. Bring the cider to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  4. Strain out the spices and orange slices, or leave them in for a more rustic look. Serve the cider hot in mugs, and garnish it with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange slice.

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Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice: All About the Popular Fall Drink (2024)

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