Apple Cider Syrup (Boiled Cider)

Ingredients You’ll Need

This apple cider syrup recipe is simple to make and requires just 3 ingredients! Boiled apple cider reduces to a thick syrup, though it needs a bit of sugar for just the right texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• High-quality apple cider, preferably from a farmers’ market or local orchard. Look for unfiltered cider, which maintains the best flavor and color.
• Granulated sugar or a brown sugar substitute helps thicken the syrup.
• Cinnamon sticks add a robust, spiced flavor.

Type of Apple Cider to Buy

There are a few major types of apple cider you’ll find at the store or apple orchard. Here’s a breakdown of what I prefer for boiled apple cider syrup:

• Unfiltered vs filtered: Apple cider is sold unfiltered, which has the pulp and sediment, and filtered, which is basically like apple juice. For the best flavor and color, choose unfiltered! But it works with filtered as well.
• Pasteurized vs unpasteurized: Pasteurizing apple cider makes it more shelf-stable. If it’s unpasteurized, it can turn into hard cider or apple cider vinegar over time, so you should drink it within 2 weeks. Unpasteurized cider has a higher risk of bacteria, so I recommend pasteurized cider.

Ways to Use Apple Cider Syrup

There are so many ways to use this apple cider syrup! I originally made it for use in a margarita, but there are so many more ways to use it. Here are a few ideas on how to use apple cider syrup:

• Cocktails, like a fall margarita or apple cider Old Fashioned
• Ice cream, like vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Pancakes, like pumpkin pancakes or apple pancakes
• Waffles, like classic waffles
• Oatmeal, like apple cinnamon oatmeal or classic oatmeal

How do you plan to use it? Let me know in the comments below!

More Apple Cider Recipes to Try

• Mulled Cider
• Spiked Apple Cider
• Apple Cider Hot Toddy
• Apple Cider Margarita
• Apple Cider Mule
• Apple Cider Martini