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Ingredients
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Main Ingredients
Method
Preparation
Prepare the apples
Wash and core the fresh apples. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
Add water
Pour the 4 cups of water over the quartered apples in the pot.
Simmer the mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the apples are soft.
Mash the apples
After the apples have softened, use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to mash the apples in the pot to release more juice.
Strain the cider
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the apple mixture into a large bowl to separate the liquid from the solids. Press down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible.
Add spices and sugar
Return the strained apple juice to the pot and add the sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and whole cloves. Stir to combine.
Simmer with spices
Simmer the spiced apple juice over low heat for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Finish with lemon juice
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the cider cool slightly before serving.