Ingredients:

  • 6 large mixed apples (4 sweet, 2 tart), roughly chopped
  • 1 whole Navel Orange, sliced into thick rounds (peel on)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (no need to peel)
  • 8 cups filtered water (2 Litres)
  • 1 cup high-quality apple juice/cider (optional, 240 ml)
  • 4 large cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon allspice berries
  • 5 whole star anise pods
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar OR maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Fruit: Rinse the apples and orange. Roughly chop the apples into quarters or large chunks (no need to remove the cores or skin). Slice the orange and ginger.
  2. Load the Instant Pot: Place the chopped apples and ginger into the inner pot. Add the water and the optional apple juice/cider.
  3. Add Aromatics: Drop in the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, star anise, brown sugar (if using), and the pinch of salt.
  4. Seal: Secure the lid and ensure the venting knob is set to the Sealing position.
  5. Cook: Select the Manual (or Pressure Cook) setting and set the time for 10 minutes at High Pressure.
  6. Patience is Key: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to Natural Release (NR) for 10 minutes.
  7. Vent: Carefully turn the venting knob to the Venting position (Quick Release/QR) to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
  8. Mash and Muddle: Using a potato masher or a sturdy spoon, vigorously mash the cooked apples and orange slices right in the pot. This extracts all the remaining liquid and pectin.
  9. First Strain: Place a large fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl. Carefully pour the cider mixture through the sieve. Discard the strained solids.
  10. Second Strain: For a truly clear cider, line the sieve with a piece of cheesecloth or muslin. Pour the strained cider back through the cloth-lined sieve into a serving pitcher.
  11. Final Check: Taste the cider. Adjust sweetness if needed (add a little more maple syrup or sugar). If serving immediately, keep it warm on the Instant Pot’s Keep Warm setting.