Boiled Cider

 How to make homemade boiled cider

SHORT VERSION: 

• A gallon of fresh cider will reduce down to about 2 cups. Since the cider takes up to 6 hours to boil down, I'd recommend starting with at least a gallon to make it more worth your time. 
• Select a large, sturdy pot designed for long-term stovetop cooking, such as a cast iron pot or Dutch oven. For a gallon of cider, I use a pot that holds at least 5 quarts. 
• Bring the cider to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 to 6 hours, giving a couple of quick stirs twice every hour. Starting around hour five, stir more frequently — every 15 minutes or so. 
• Note that cook time will vary depending on your stove and which pot you choose. In testing, the boiled cider I made in a metal pot took five hours; in a cast iron pot, six.

DETAILED VERSION (Thanks for all the photos, King Arthur!)

Why make homemade boiled cider?

• This
•  and these life-changing caramels