Easy Homemade Cinnamon Pear Cider (A Cozy Winter Warmer!)
Imagine a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a warm mug cradled in your hands, filling the air with the sweet, fragrant aroma of simmering pears, apples, and warm winter spices. That, my friends, is the simple, soul-warming magic of this Homemade Cinnamon Pear Cider. It’s a delightful and elegant twist on the classic apple…
Imagine a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a warm mug cradled in your hands, filling the air with the sweet, fragrant aroma of simmering pears, apples, and warm winter spices. That, my friends, is the simple, soul-warming magic of this Homemade Cinnamon Pear Cider. It’s a delightful and elegant twist on the classic apple cider, and it is the most comforting beverage you will make all season.
Here’s the thing about homemade cider: it’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. The process of gently simmering the fruit and spices is a form of aromatherapy that makes your entire home smell like a festive dream. I created this recipe one afternoon when I had a surplus of beautiful pears and wanted to create a non-alcoholic, family-friendly drink that felt special enough for a celebration but was easy enough for any given Tuesday.
I promise you, there is no greater feeling than ladling out a steaming mug of this golden, fragrant cider that you’ve made from scratch. The natural sweetness of the pears, the familiar comfort of the apple, the bright hint of orange, and the warm embrace of cinnamon and cloves create a perfect harmony. It’s pure, liquid comfort.
Get ready to create a beautifully simple, wholesome, and incredibly delicious cider that will become your new winter tradition.
Why This Pear Cider Will Be Your New Winter Staple!
You are going to be absolutely charmed by this easy and elegant cider. It’s a recipe that delivers cozy comfort in every single sip. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Incredibly Easy to Make: If you can slice fruit and simmer water, you can make this cider. It’s a simple, foolproof “simmer, mash, and strain” process.
- Makes Your House Smell Amazing: The aroma of simmering pears, apples, oranges, and spices is the best natural air freshener. It will instantly make your home feel warm and festive.
- Naturally Wholesome & Delicious: This cider gets its sweetness from the fresh fruit, with no added sugar required (unless your fruit is particularly tart). It’s a drink you can feel great about serving.
- The Perfect Non-Alcoholic Beverage: It’s a wonderful, sophisticated, and warm drink that everyone in the family, from kids to adults, can enjoy at holiday gatherings.
- Beautiful and Versatile: Serve it warm in mugs on a chilly night or chilled over ice for a refreshing treat. Its beautiful golden hue looks lovely in a glass pitcher on a party table.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | 114 kcal per serving |
| Course | Drink |
| Cuisine | American, Healthy |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Stovetop |
Your Shopping List for This Warming Cider
This recipe uses a handful of fresh fruits and classic pantry spices to create its wonderful flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Cider
- 4 Bartlett pears → (1.5-2 pounds). Ripe Bartlett pears are perfect as they are sweet and soften beautifully.
- 1 Gala apple → Adds a classic cider sweetness and flavor dimension.
- 1 navel orange → Provides a bright, zesty citrus note that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon → For that essential warm spice flavor.
- 1 tbsp whole cloves → Infuses a deep, aromatic spice without making the cider cloudy.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg → Adds a final touch of festive warmth.
- 6 cups water → The simple, clean base for our cider.
Let’s Get Simmering! Your Step-by-Step Guide
This is one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes. The process is wonderfully simple and aromatic.
Part 1: Simmer the Fruits and Spices
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced pears, sliced apple, orange wedges, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, and water to a large pot or Dutch oven. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the fruit is mostly submerged.
- Simmer to Soften: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it gently simmer for about 1 hour. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!
Part 2: Mash, Strain, and Serve
- Mash for Flavor: After an hour, the fruit should be very soft. Remove the pot from the heat. Use a potato masher to gently mash up the fruit directly in the pot. This releases all their delicious juices and flavors into the water.
- Strain the Cider: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Place a fine-mesh sieve, a piece of cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher and carefully pour the mixture through it to strain out the liquid. Discard the fruit solids left behind.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cider warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick. Alternatively, you can let it cool completely and serve it chilled over ice.
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for the Best Pear Cider
These simple secrets will help you craft the most flavorful and beautiful homemade cider.
- Use Ripe, Aromatic Pears. The flavor of your cider depends entirely on the quality of your fruit. Ripe, slightly soft Bartlett or Anjou pears will give you the sweetest and most fragrant results.
- Don’t Boil, Just Simmer. Keep the heat on a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the fruit to break down too quickly and can sometimes create bitter notes. A slow, gentle simmer is the key to a clear, beautifully flavored cider.
- Mash, Don’t Blend. Gently mashing the cooked fruit with a potato masher is the perfect way to release all the juice without pulverizing the fruit into a thick puree. Blending would create a much thicker, pulpier texture.
- For an Ultra-Clear Cider, Use Cheesecloth. A fine-mesh sieve works great, but if you want a perfectly clear, sediment-free cider, lining your sieve with a layer of cheesecloth before straining is the professional trick.
- Taste and Adjust at the End. The sweetness of fruit varies. After your cider is strained, give it a taste. If it needs a little boost, you can stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup while it’s still warm.
Cinnamon Pear Cider
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pot or dutch oven. Stir and check that all ingredients are at least partially submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat until the fruits are very soft, about 1 hour.
- Remove from heat. Use a potato masher to gently mash up the fruit in the pot to release their juices.
- When cool enough to handle, strain out the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag into a large bowl or pitcher. Discard the fruit solids.
- Serve hot, garnished with cinnamon sticks, or chill to serve cold.
Notes
Keep It Cozy! Storing Your Cider
This cider is fantastic to have on hand for a quick, warm treat.
- Refrigerator: Let the cider cool completely, then store it in an airtight bottle or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezer: This cider freezes beautifully. Once cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags (leaving a little room for expansion). It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
FAQs: Your Homemade Cider Questions, Answered!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, stir, and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Then, mash and strain as directed.
Do I need to peel or core the fruit first?
No, and that’s part of the beauty of this easy recipe! The peels and cores add flavor and color to the cider during the simmering process. Since you’re straining everything at the end, there’s no need for the tedious work of peeling or coring.
What other spices can I add?
This is a great recipe to customize. A few star anise pods, a couple of cardamom pods, or a few slices of fresh ginger would all be wonderful, warming additions. You could even add a split vanilla bean for a touch of creamy fragrance.
Can I make an “adult” version of this cider?
Yes, you can! For a lovely spiked version, you can add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum to each individual mug just before serving. It’s a fantastic and festive addition for an adult gathering.
Final Thoughts: A Mug of Pure Comfort
There is such simple, profound joy in a warm, fragrant drink that you’ve crafted with your own hands. This Cinnamon Pear Cider is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, get cozy, and savor the simple pleasures of the season. I hope it fills your home with warmth and your mug with deliciousness. Happy simmering!
