Learn how simple it is to make apple cider without a press or juicer! All you need to make this sugar-free recipe are apples, a food processor, and a nut milk bag. Raw, naturally vegan, and full of wholesome deliciousness!

⭐️ Yes! You Can Make Apple Cider Without a Press or Juicer!

This year I found myself with a wonderful problem: a whole lot of apples (this is WA after all) and no apple press. Rather than hunt down an apple-pressing party or a juicer, I decided to find a way to make cider with the equipment I already had at home. The result? Fresh, delicious apple cider made with nothing more than a food processor, a nut milk bag, and apples! Keep scrolling, my friend, to see how it’s done!

🍎 Best Apples for Homemade Apple Cider

This sugar-free recipe uses only 1 ingredient: apples. But which apples are best?

Use the apples you have. If you’re picking apples from a tree or getting a mixed bag from a friend or grocer, don’t worry about having the “right” varieties. Apples are naturally sweet and flavorful and are made for apple cider.

A combination of sweet and tart apples will give you the most balanced flavor. Sweet apples provide body and natural sweetness, while tart apples add acidity and keep the cider from tasting flat.

Fun fact! Every year I make apple cider with a mixture of random, unknown varieties. It turns out delicious no matter what. I know yours will too!

🥣 Equipment You’ll Need

A food processor
A nut milk bag
Basic kitchen essentials such as a knife, cutting board, spatula, etc.

🔖 Ingredients

You’ll find the complete ingredient list with measurements and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🍎 Apples- washed and cut into eighths with any obvious bird pecks or bad spots removed.

💦 Water to wash your apples

Note: This simple recipe is flexible on the quantity of apples needed. Each pound of apples yields about 1 cup of apple cider, depending on how juicy your apples are.

🍏 How to Make Apple Cider (with photos)

When you’re ready to make this recipe, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post. You’ll find the complete ingredient list with measurements there.

1. Prepare your apples- Rinse your apples in cold water. Cut them into eighths, removing any obvious bird pecks or bad spots. You do not need to peel the apples; remove the core, seeds, or stem. These are removed during straining.

2. Tumble half of the apples into the work bowl of a food processor. Do not fill the container more than halfway full. If you have lots of apples, process them in batches.

3. Blitz the apples, scraping down the sides of the container as needed, until the whole mass spins freely around the work bowl. You are looking for a soft, pulpy consistency that still has some texture.

4. Fit a nut milk bag over a quart-size measuring pitcher. Scrape the apple pulp into the bag, then lift the bag and squeeze the pulp thoroughly with your hands, extracting as much apple cider as possible. Squeeze out every last drop before transferring the pulp to the compost.

5. Pour the apple cider into a mason jar or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in freezer-safe jars for longer-term storage.

❄️ How to Store

Refrigerator

Store apple cider in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezer

For longer storage, freeze apple cider in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

❓FAQs

How much apple cider will I get?

Plan on about 1 cup of apple cider per pound of apples, depending on how juicy your apples are.

Do I need to peel or core the apples?

Nope! Simply cut the apples into eighths and remove any obvious bird pecks or bad spots. You do not need to peel the apples, remove the core, seeds, or stem. These are removed during straining.

What can I use instead of a nut milk bag?

A nut milk bag works especially well because it’s sturdy and easy to squeeze. If you don’t have a nut milk bag, you can use a few layers of cheesecloth or a clean, lint-free flour sack kitchen towel.

Is homemade apple cider the same as apple juice?

Not quite- homemade apple cider is raw, less filtered, cloudy, and more full-bodied in flavor than apple juice. Store-bought apple juice is filtered and pasteurized, giving it a clear appearance and a sweeter, lighter flavor.

Try this amazing Muddled Apple Cider Recipe in my Carol’s Vegan Holiday E-Cookbook!

🥃 More Vegan Beverages to Try

Lavender Lemonade

Almond Milk Matcha Latte

Herbal Lavender Tea Recipe from Dry Lavender Buds

Best Homemade Soy Milk

🍸 And Some Vegan Cocktails Too!

Blackberry Smash Cocktail with Vodka and Fresh Basil

Cosmopolitan Recipe With Pomegranate Simple Syrup

Lillet Blanc Spritz with Easy Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Vegan Gin Sour Recipe with Forsythia Simple Syrup

Easy Homemade Vegan Baileys Irish Cream

Gin and Tonic with Pine Needle Syrup

I love that we are deeeep into apple season and can’t wait for you to dive right into the gloriousness of homemade apple cider. It’s delicious on its own, or a fun nighttime sip warmed with a shot of bourbon. Maybe with a side of Guinness Cake? Now we’re talking!

🍂 Happy autumn from the kitchen!

X,o,

Leave a Comment & Rating

If you like this Apple Cider recipe, be sure to leave a comment down below as well as a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This helps others find my website, and I absolutely love hearing about your creations!

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how to make apple cider without a press or juicer, sugar free recipe, homemade apple cider, raw beverages, vegan beverages

beverage

American

Yield: 3 cups

Author: Carol Clayton