Homemade Apple Juice Recipe {With & Without Juicer}

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This fresh, 3-ingredient homemade apple juice recipe is perfect for fall. Make apple juice with or without a juicer and use up your fresh apples!

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Today, I’m all about Homemade Apple Juice – a delightful and refreshing treat you can easily make in the comfort of your own kitchen! Nothing beats the satisfaction of turning fresh, juicy apples into a glass of pure goodness. With just a handful of ingredients and a touch of creativity, you’ll be sipping on your very own homemade apple juice in a jiffy. Whether you have a juicer or not, I’ve got two fuss-free methods for you to try!

A glass of homemade apple juice with an apple on the left side

Table Of Contents

Why you'll love this homemade apple juice with juicer
Ingredients to make homemade apple juice
How to make homemade apple juice With or Without a Juicer
Tips for making the best homemade apple juice with & Without A juicer
Popular substitutions & additions
What to serve with homemade apple juice
How to store homemade apple juice

Frequently asked questions
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Homemade Apple Juice

If you’re lucky enough to have a juicer, the first method is perfect for you. I’ll show you how to prep the apples, extract the juice using your trusty juicer, and even add a zing of lemon if you like. But don’t worry if you don’t own a juicer – the second method is equally easy and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. We’ll simmer the apple quarters with water, mash them up, and strain the juice to perfection. It’s a bit of a hands-on approach that yields a cozy, homemade apple juice that’s as comforting as a warm hug!

Why you’ll love this homemade apple juice with juicer

Pure and Fresh: There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade apple juice. By making it yourself, you ensure that you’re getting a pure and fresh drink without any additives or preservatives.
Easy Prep: If you don’t know how to make apple juice, this recipe has you covered – both methods are straightforward and beginner-friendly. Whether you have a juicer or not, you can follow the simple steps and enjoy the process of creating your own refreshing drink!
Budget-Friendly: Making apple juice at home is not only delicious but also cost-effective. Instead of buying pre-packaged juices, you can save money by using fresh apples and common kitchen ingredients.

Nutrient-Packed: Apples are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your overall health! Plus, keeping the apple skin on while juicing or simmering adds an extra dose of nutrients to your juice. The skin contains valuable vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this drink a healthy choice.

Ingredients to make homemade apple juice

Medium-Sized Apples, Any Variety: Choose your favorite variety of apples or mix and match for a unique flavor profile. You can experiment with different varieties such as Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Just make sure they are fresh and ripe.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice acts as a natural antioxidant and helps prevent the apple juice from browning due to oxidation. It also adds a refreshing citrus note to the overall flavor.

Honey or Sugar: If you prefer a sweeter apple juice, you can add honey or sugar according to your preference. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
Water (For the Juicer-Free Method): When making homemade apple juice without juicer, water is added to the pot to help extract the juice from the simmered apples. It ensures that you get every bit of flavor from the apples.

How to make homemade apple juice With or Without a Juicer

Homemade Apple Juice (With Juicer)

Wash the apples thoroughly. You may choose to peel them if you wish, but keeping the skin on will give you more nutrients.

Cut the apples into quarters and remove the cores.
Run the apple quarters through your juicer.
If you wish, add some lemon juice to prevent browning.

Taste your apple juice. If it’s too tart, add honey or sugar to taste.
Pour into a glass or jar and serve immediately. Enjoy your fresh homemade apple juice!

Homemade Apple Juice (Without Juicer)

Wash the apples thoroughly. You may choose to peel them if you wish, but keeping the skin on will give you more nutrients.

Cut the apples into quarters and remove the cores.
In a large pot, add the apple quarters and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the apples are very soft.

Mash the apples with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon.
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or jug. Press down to squeeze out all the juice.
If you wish, add some lemon juice to prevent browning.

Taste your apple juice. If it’s too tart, add honey or sugar to taste.
Allow the juice to cool, then refrigerate. Serve chilled and enjoy your homemade apple juice!

A short glass full of homemade apple juice next to a plate with an apple cut in half

Tips for making the best homemade apple juice with & Without A juicer

Taste and Adjust: Remember, taste testing is key to achieving your ideal apple juice flavor. Apples can vary in sweetness, so take a moment to sample your juice before serving. If it’s too tart, add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the flavors.

Embrace Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties to discover unique flavor profiles. From tangy Granny Smith to sweet Honeycrisp or aromatic Fuji, each variety brings its own character to the juice!
Go Organic: Whenever possible, choose organic apples for your juice. Organic apples are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, resulting in a cleaner and more natural juice. Not only does this benefit your health, but it also enhances the overall taste and quality of your homemade apple juice.

Popular substitutions & additions

Ginger: For a zesty kick, add a touch of fresh ginger to your homemade apple juice. Grate or finely chop a small piece of ginger root and mix it into the juice before serving. The warm, spicy notes of ginger create a delightful flavor combination with the sweet and tangy apple juice.

Celery: Looking to add a refreshing veggie twist to your apple juice? Try juicing a stalk or two of celery along with the apples. Celery adds a crisp, vegetal note that complements the sweetness of the apples.
Sparkling Water: For a bubbly twist, add a splash of sparkling water to the juice. This adds a refreshing effervescence to your drink, making it a sparkling apple spritzer that’s perfect for celebrations.
Cinnamon: Enhance the warm and cozy flavors of this drink by adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. It infuses the apple juice with a delightful warmth that evokes the essence of fall and winter!

What to serve with homemade apple juice

Oatmeal with Raisins: Start your day off right by pairing a glass of apple juice with a comforting bowl of warm oatmeal sprinkled with plump raisins. The sweet and tart flavors of the apple juice perfectly complement the creamy oats and juicy raisins, creating a wholesome and energizing breakfast.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: Take your breakfast to the next level by enjoying this apple juice alongside a stack of fluffy pancakes.. It’s a match made in breakfast heaven that will leave you craving for more!
Cheese and Crackers: Create a simple and elegant snack by serving the apple juice with a selection of your favorite cheeses and crispy crackers. The crispness of the juice acts as a palate cleanser, while the combination of savory cheeses and crunchy crackers provides a satisfying contrast in flavors and textures.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge your taste buds with a classic treat! Serve your apple juice alongside a scoop of creamy, velvety vanilla ice cream. The cool and smooth texture of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the crispness of the apple juice.
Pretty Much Anything: The versatility of homemade apple juice makes it a fantastic companion to a wide range of dishes. From light salads and sandwiches to roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, the refreshing and naturally sweet apple juice enhances the flavors of almost any meal.

How to store homemade apple juice

To store your homemade apple juice and keep it fresh for longer, just transfer the leftover juice to an airtight glass container, ensuring there is minimal air space to prevent oxidation. Then, simply pop the container in the fridge to keep it cool and maintain its freshness.

How long will homemade apple juice last in the fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade apple juice can last up to 4-5 days in the fridge. However, it’s important to note that over time, the juice may gradually turn slightly brown due to oxidation.

Can i freeze homemade apple juice without juicer?

Freezing your homemade apple juice is a fantastic way to preserve it for longer periods. You can use ice cube trays to portion out the juice. This way, you can easily grab the desired amount whenever you need it. And the best past is that frozen apple juice cubes can be stored in the freezer for several months, typically around 5-6 months.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a juicer to make homemade apple juice?

Not necessarily! While a juicer can make the process quicker and more convenient, you can still make delicious homemade apple juice without one. The stovetop method involves simmering and mashing the apples before straining the juice. Alternatively, using a blender can also yield a smooth and flavorful juice.

How to make apple juice with a blender?

If you don’t have a juicer and prefer not to boil the apples, a blender can be a great alternative. Simply cut the apples into smaller pieces, remove the cores, and add them to your blender with some water. Blend on high speed until the apples are completely pureed. Once blended, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp. Squeeze out as much juice as possible, and voila! You’ll have homemade apple juice without the need for a juicer or cooking.

What can I do with the leftover pulp?

Don’t let the apple pulp go to waste! Instead of discarding it, consider repurposing it in creative ways. You can use the pulp to make apple sauce, add it to baked goods like muffins or pancakes for added texture, or even incorporate it into homemade granola or oatmeal for a nutritious boost.

A glass of homemade apple juice with ice cubes and apple slices surrounded by red apples

And there you have it, an apple-licious journey into the world of Homemade Apple Juice! Whether you choose to use a juicer or opt for the stovetop method, the result will be a glass of pure delight that captures the essence of fresh apples. The best part? You’re not limited to just apples—get creative and experiment with spices, pairings, and additions to truly make your apple juice your own. Let your taste buds be your guide as you craft your unique spin on this timeless classic!

Now that you know how to make apple juice at home, it’s your turn! Try out these recipes and let me know in the comments which method you prefer or if you’ve discovered any unique additions that make your apple juice extra special. And if you have any more questions or ideas for future recipes, drop me a line. I’m always looking for tasty drinks!

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