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Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Erin Indahl-Fink
Looking for a way to add flavor and juciness to your Thanksgiving turkey? This apple cider turkey brine is an amazing way to do both. Once you use this turkey brine recipe, you'll never go back. Absolutely amazing!
4.44 from 127 votes
Roasted turkey on a platter that has been soaked in apple cider turkey brine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Holiday Food
Cuisine American
Calories 66 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons peppercorns
  • 2 Tablespoons dried rosemary
  • 2 Tablespoons thyme
  • 2 Tablespoons ground sage
  • 1 Tablespoons whole cloves
  • 2-3 star anise
  • 3-4 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 medium oranges sliced
  • 2 quarts apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 gallon water

Instructions
 

  • To a large stock pot, add all of the ingredients; salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, sage, cloves, anise, cinnamon, garlic, orange slices, apple cider and water. Heat over medium high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, and then immediately remove from heat. Let brine come to room temperature. (Do NOT add a hot brine immediately to a turkey.)
  • Place thawed, uncooked turkey into large brining bag, removing any giblets that may have been in the inner cavity of the turkey. Pour cooled brine over the top of the turkey, including all ingredients that were cooked in the brine.
  • Seal the bag, and secure with clips if necessary. Refrigerate the turkey and brine for 18-24 hours.
  • Once brining is complete, discard brine and brining bag.
  • Place several dish towels in your sink and place the turkey on the towels. Thoroughly rinse the turkey on the inside and outside. Lightly pat with a dry towel and prep for roasting.

Notes

Feel free to customize brine ingredients to your tastes. You can substitute apple juice or orange juice for the apple cider. You can also add fruit, such as apples and pears.
Check out my recipe for Citrus Herb Turkey Brine which uses orange juice instead of apple cider as the base of the brine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 16gSodium: 2532mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13g
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