Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe

Name: Apple Cider Turkey Brine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 cups Apple Cider; 2/3 cups Kosher Salt; 2/3 cups Sugar; 1 cup Chopped Onion; 1 cup Chopped Carrot (washed, No Need To Peel); 2 whole Bay Leaves; 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Peppercorns; 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Thyme; 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Sage; 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Rosemary; 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves; 1 whole Lemon, Sliced, With Peel; 1 whole Orange, Sliced, With Peel; 4 cloves Garlic, Crushed, Minced Or Pressed; 4 cups Cold Water Or Ice

Servings: persons

8 cups Apple Cider
2/3 cups Kosher Salt
2/3 cups Sugar
1 cup Chopped Onion
1 cup Chopped Carrot (washed, No Need To Peel)
2 whole Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon Cracked Black Peppercorns
1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Thyme
1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Sage
1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
1 whole Lemon, Sliced, With Peel
1 whole Orange, Sliced, With Peel
4 cloves Garlic, Crushed, Minced Or Pressed
4 cups Cold Water Or Ice

1
Combine all ingredients except cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Reduce heat and bring the boil down to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. You can simmer longer if you like-the longer you simmer, the more the flavors incorporate into the cider, and the yummier your whole house smells.
2
When you're done simmering, remove from heat and add the cold water and ice. Let the brine come to room temperature, then pour it over your turkey in a large pot or brining bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
3
If your turkey is large (15 pounds or more), you may want to double the brine. If the brine doesn't quite cover your turkey, add more cold water to bring the liquid level up.

460

kcal

Calories

120

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 cups Apple Cider, 2/3 cups Kosher Salt, 2/3 cups Sugar, 1 cup Chopped Onion, and more.

Yes, Apple Cider Turkey Brine falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions