Outdoor Grilling

Smoked Apple Cider

Makes 2 quarts

Smoked Apple Cider

Makes 2 quarts

Smoking cider in a pellet grill adds nuance to traditional apple cider and elevates the depth of spiciness.

Ingredients

  • 10 Large apples, halved
  • 1 Orange, halved
  • 4 Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Nutmeg, whole
  • 1 teaspoon Whole allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Whole cloves
  • 1/2cup Brown sugar, packed

Preparation

  1. Preheat pellet grill 275°F
  2. Smoke apples and orange halves for 1 hour
  3. Adjust heat to HIGH
  4. In a pot or dutch oven add apples and oranges
  5. Add spices and brown sugar and whisk
  6. Cover with water by at least 2-inches
  7. Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes
  8. Reduce heat to 275°F and simmer for approximately 2 hours until apples are completely soft
  9. Remove orange halves and squeeze out juice
  10. Use spatula or spoon to roughly mash ingredients
  11. Continue to simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally
  12. Remove any large visible spices
  13. Place1 cup at a time of cider solids into a fine mesh strainer and, using a rubber spatula, press solids through strainer.
  14. Discard any large spices and residual solids as you go
  15. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the cider and serve warm
  16. A fresh cinnamon stick makes a nice garnish