This Instant Pot apple cider is a deliciously cozy drink, full of sweet apples, tart cranberries, warm spices, and rosemary.
Nothing is better on a chilly winter day than a big mug of hot apple cider.
This Instant Pot apple cider has all the familiar flavors of hot cider–sweet apples, cinnamon, cloves, star anise–and is elevated with tart cranberries, savory rosemary, and fresh citrus. Its beautifully rosy hue is picture-perfect.
A wonderful benefit of making your own hot apple cider in your kitchen is that it leaves your home smelling like the holidays.
Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot apple cider, you’ll be making it all season long!
Want a little apple cider boozy treat? Try this sparkling apple cider margarita!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Instant Pot apple cider
- Apples – For sweetness and great apple flavor.
- Cranberries – These will add a tart, refreshing taste.
- Maple syrup – Slightly smoky and sweet.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar will add sweetness and a deep molasses flavor.
- Spices – Cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise are warm, familiar holiday flavors.
- Rosemary – The earthiness of the rosemary compliments the spices.
- Citrus – Orange, and lemon give the apple cider a burst of freshness.
Apple varieties
In your local grocery store, there’s usually a huge variety of apples to choose from!
So how do you know which ones will be best for this Instant Pot apple cider?
My favorite type of apple to use for this recipe is gala, pink lady, or Honeycrisp because they are sweet, tangy, and full of yummy apple flavor.
I would stay away from McIntosh, fuji, or red delicious. These are often mealy apples, with a watery-apple flavor, and not very good to use in this application.
What is an Instant Pot?
An Instant Pot is an electric multi-cooker that can be used to sauté, as a slow cooker, and of course, pressure cook.
There are a lot of horror stories about using old-fashioned stovetop pressure cookers but these are much safer and WAY easier to use.
They use high-pressurized steam to help cook meat and vegetables at a much quicker rate than traditional stovetop or slow cooker options.
Instant Pots are VERY easy to use and very safe. Don’t worry if you’re new to the electric pressure cooker world. You will absolutely LOVE it!
What is the difference between an Instant Pot and an electric pressure cooker?
Instant Pot is a brand name electric pressure cooker. Since most people recognize the name “Instant Pot” and think of an electric pressure cooker it’s often easier to just title a recipe with IP in the name.
I have also used the crockpot version electric pressure cooker with equally delicious results.
This is the same as most people calling a plastic bandage a Band-aid or a tissue a Kleenex. Over time the brand names become synonymous with a type of product.
What is the difference between natural release and quick release?
When a recipe calls to let your Instant Pot “natural release” it means your pressure cooker will naturally (and very slowly) release the pressure.
Many recipes call for the pressure cooker to naturally release for a period of time because this helps the recipe cook just a little longer.
Since the pressure cooker will be slowly losing pressure you do not have to do anything; it will eventually lose all its pressure and the lid will unlock.
When a recipe calls for quick release, this means you will manually be letting the pressure out of the Instant Pot.
You will have to turn the vent to the “venting” position and a bunch of hot steam will come out of the vent. It is very important that you do not put your hand in the steam as it is VERY HOT.
This will then immediately unlock the lid and the food can be served.
Storage and leftovers
Any leftover cider can be kept in a pitcher and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe mug and microwave for 2-3 minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
More drink recipes
- Need a festive adult beverage? Try my Persimmon Old Fashioned Cocktail.
- Love all things vintage? Try my Tom and Jerry Cocktail Recipe.
- Do you love cranberry? Try my Cranberry Mojito.
- Craving something sweet? Try my Honeycrisp Apple Sangria.
Instant Pot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 6 sweeet apples
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup of cranberries
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 whole clove
- 1 sprig fresh rosmeary
- Water to cover your ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to an instant pot except and cover with just enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Stir to gently combine.
- Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the “sealing” position.
- Set the Instant Pot to the Pressure Cook Manual, high heat for 15 minutes.
- Once it's finished let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally – this can take anywhere from 10-40 minutes.
- When it's finally released, remove the lid and gently mash the fruit to help release all its flavor and juices.
- Use a strainer, strain the apple cider into a heatproof jar and discard the solids.
- Let the apple cider cool, cover, and store in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Nutrition
