If you haven’t noticed by now, we really love apples, and we talk about them a lot in our blog! There are so many things you can do and make with apples. We’re here to share as many of those things with you that we can. We’ve shared how to make apple pectin, apple butter, and more! Today, we’re continuing that trend and sharing a simple apple juice recipe so you make it at home.  

Have you ever wondered what makes apple juice different from apple cider? Find out!

How to Make Apple Juice

Apple juice isn’t very difficult to make. In fact, if you have apples in your kitchen, you probably already have the other ingredients you need as well.

Ingredients

  • 4-5 large apples (choose a sweet variety, such as Gala or Fuji)
  • 1 lemon (optional)
  • Water
  • Sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt.
  2. Core and chop the apples into small pieces, removing the seeds and stems.
  3. If desired, squeeze the lemon and collect the juice.
  4. Place the chopped apples (and lemon juice, if using) into a large pot or saucepan.
  5. Add enough water to the pot to just cover the apples.
  6. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and easily mashed with a fork.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  8. Once the apple mixture has cooled, use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth.
  9. Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl, and pour the apple puree through it to strain out any solids.
  10. If desired, you can add sugar or honey to the strained apple juice to sweeten it to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
  11. Stir the apple juice well to dissolve any added sugar or honey.
  12. Transfer the apple juice to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
  13. Give the juice a good shake before serving to ensure that it’s well mixed.

Enjoy your homemade apple juice! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Note: You can also adjust the sweetness and tartness of the apple juice by using different apple varieties or adjusting the amount of sugar or honey to your liking. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences!