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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Chemistry » Spiced Apple Cider – Filtering Experiment

Spiced Apple Cider – Filtering Experiment

Modified: Feb 23, 2023 · Published: Dec 22, 2011 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

I remember drinking spiced apple cider on a ski holiday in New Hampshire about 13 years ago when we stayed in North Conway at a beautiful little Inn. Every afternoon they served apple cider and cookies, just what we needed to warm up after a day snowboarding. One day I would LOVE to take the children there, it was just so beautiful and everyone was so friendly. Making this apple cider reminded me of what a lovely week we had.

Making spiced apple cider is also a tasty way to learn about filtering!

Spiced Apple Cider recipe - fun filtering investigation too!

Ingredients for spiced apple cider

You’ll need

10 Apples

Spices – cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and cardamon

Large pan

Stove

Muslin cloth

Potato masher

Bowl

How to make spiced apple cider

Core the apples and cut into large chunks.

Place them in a large pan and cover with water, add a selection of herbs and spices.

Heat the apples until the water starts to boil. Turn down the heat and leave to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Pan with chopped apples inside ready for making spiced apple cider
Image taken from Snackable Science

Use a potato masher to squash the apples thoroughly.

Place the muslin cloth over a bowl and carefully pour the apple mixture over the top.

filtering apples to make apple cider
Use a muslin to filter apple pulp out of the apple mixture
Image taken from Snackable Science

Image of Christmas spices on a breadboard
Traditional Christmas spices

The apple juice will drip through the muslin leaving the pulp behind.

Gather up the ends of the muslin and squeeze the pulp over the bowl to extract all the juice.

Discard the pulp and enjoy your lovely apple cider!

Spiced Apple Cider in a glass drinking cup next to a sliced apple
Image taken from Snackable Science

How does the filter work?

A filter is a porous material which a liquid can be passed though to separate the liquid from solids suspended in it.

In this activity we used a muslin cloth to filter out the big bits of apple, leaving just the juice behind. To make the juice less cloudy we could have filtered it through something with smaller holes ( perhaps the muslin cloth folded over ), to separate more of the solid bits from the liquid.

If you liked this activity you’ll love my new book Snackable Science which has 60 fun edible experiments for kids ( and adults )

Snackable Science Experiments - kitchen science book for kids, image shows lots of wonderful, colourful kitchen science creations!

Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Multiple Mummy

    December 22, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Fabulous and looks extremely tasty as well!

    Reply
  2. Cathy @ NurtureStore

    December 22, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    Thanks for the recipe. I bet the house smells wonderful when you’re making it.

    Reply
  3. Jill @ a mom with a lesson plan

    December 22, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Yum…

    Reply
  4. Jen

    December 22, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Great post! I have never made homemade apple juice or cider! Looks amazing and delicious!

    Reply
  5. Brooke @let kids create

    December 22, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    All I can say is “yum”. I want the homemade stuff.

    Reply
  6. maggy,red ted art

    December 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    Oooh I bet that the fresh apple juice was indeed fantastic. My father make some in the summer and it is delicious! Love the sound of your recipe!

    Reply
  7. catherine @ sunhatsandwellieboots

    December 22, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Sounds delicious, thanks so much for sharing. We’ll be following your recipe on Christmas Eve! We may even leave a glass for Santa 😉

    Reply
  8. Rashmie @MommyLabs

    December 23, 2011 at 4:55 am

    This looks so delicious and the aroma must have been heavenly – filling up the house as you cooked!
    Loved the little science note to go with it 🙂
    Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  9. HELEN

    December 23, 2011 at 8:43 am

    that looks really good……and messy!
    I remember having spiced cider in the US & then being disappointed when I realised it wasn’t alcoholic!
    x

    Reply
  10. maggy,red ted art

    December 23, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    (and thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!)

    Maggy

    Reply
  11. Mama Pea Pod

    December 25, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Mmmm….I just made some and the house smells fantastic! I use store-bought apple juice but it’s the cloudy, unfiltered kind. Wonderful idea, thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas! x

    Reply

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