Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (2024)

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During the holidays, what better way to celebrate than by treating your loved ones to a mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey?

If you’re looking to up your culinary game and leave a lasting impression on your guests, consider trying out my Apple Cider Turkey Brine recipe. Just a few simple ingredients and some time will completely transform your turkey.

Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (1)

Once you taste turkey that has been brined in this mixture, I’m convinced you will agree it is the best turkey brine recipe. Be sure to check out all of my other Thanksgiving recipes to plan your entire feast!

Table of Contents

  • Why Choose an Apple Cider Turkey Brine?
  • The Brining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
    • Step 1: Create the Brine Mixture
    • Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
    • Step 3: Add Brine and Ice
    • Step 4: Let the Brine Do It’s Magic
  • Recipe Tip
  • FAQs
  • Other Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe

Why Choose an Apple Cider Turkey Brine?

  • A Symphony of Flavors– The star of this recipe is, undoubtedly, the unfiltered apple cider. Unlike the sharpness of apple cider vinegar, using pure apple cider imparts a subtle sweetness and a depth of flavor to the turkey. This natural sweetness is balanced by the savory notes from kosher salt, creating a brine that harmonizes beautifully with the poultry.
  • Enhanced Moisture Retention– One of the primary reasons to brine a turkey is to ensure a moist and succulent end result. The salt in the brine works its magic by altering the protein structure of the meat, allowing it to retain more moisture during the cooking process. The apple cider adds an extra layer of moisture and flavor. The brining process ensures that the turkey stays moist during cooking, and the result is a crispy skin that gives way to incredibly tender and flavorful meat.

The Brining Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you opt for a fresh turkey from your local grocery store or a frozen one, ensure it is fully thawed before beginning the brining process. A frozen turkey will require up to a week of refrigeration to be fully thawed.

Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity of the turkey and use them to make the best turkey giblet gravy.

Step 1: Create the Brine Mixture

In a large stockpot, combine the apple cider, kosher salt, black peppercorns, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to let the salt dissolve completely. Allow the brine to fully chill in the refrigerator. This step can be done in advance.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Place the whole turkey in a brining bag, breast side down. Stuff the cavity with the orange quarters.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (3)

Step 3: Add Brine and Ice

Pour the chilled brine over the turkey. Add the ice to the bag.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (5)

Step 4: Let the Brine Do It’s Magic

Removing as much air as possible out of the bag, twist the bag shut, and secure it with a clip. Place the brined turkey in the refrigerator (if it will fit) or in a large cooler. Let the turkey brine for 12-24 hours for the best results.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (7)

When you’re ready to cook the turkey, you’ll need to remove it from the brine solution and remove and discard the orange wedges. Be sure to discard brine as well.

You will also need to pat the turkey dry to ensure a crispy skin. The easiest way to do this is to line a very large bowl or rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and set the rinsed turkey on top. You can then pat it dry with additional paper towels.

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Recipe Tip

I like to use my water bath canning pot because it’s the perfect size and very light weight. For the bag, I highly recommend using a turkey roasting oven bag. You can find them at the grocery store in the same aisle where the disposable aluminum roasting pans are. They’re food grade quality and big enough.

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FAQs

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider in the brine?

No, it’s essential to use unfiltered apple cider for its natural sweetness. Apple cider vinegar has a sharper taste and won’t provide the same flavor profile.

Can I brine a frozen turkey?

You can buy a frozen turkey, but you mustensure the turkey is fully thawed before brining. Brining a frozen turkey can result in uneven brining and potential food safety issues.

How long should I brine the turkey?

For optimal results, brine the turkey for 18-24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse and ensures the meat stays moist during cooking.

Can I brine a turkey in a regular pot instead of a brining bag?

Yes, you can use a large pot, but a brining bag is recommended for even distribution of the brine and easy refrigeration.

Do I need to rinse the turkey after brining?

No, it’s not necessary to rinse the turkey after brining. Pat it dry with paper towels before roasting to achieve a crispy skin.

Can I use sea salt instead of kosher salt?

Yes, you can use sea salt as a substitute for kosher salt. Use the same measurement, as they have similar saltiness levels.

What’s the purpose of adding ice cubes to the brining bag?

Ice cubes help maintain a cool temperature in the brining environment. It’s crucial to keep the brine cool for food safety and optimal results.

Can I add additional herbs to the brine for more flavor?

Absolutely! Experiment with herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to personalize the flavor profile of your turkey.

What should the internal temperature of the turkey be after roasting?

The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer for a perfectly cooked turkey.

Can I use this brine for a smaller turkey or just turkey breasts?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for smaller turkeys or turkey breasts. You can adjust the brine quantities for larger turkeys. Ensure the meat is fully submerged for even flavor infusion.

Other Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Now that you’ve made the most flavorful moist turkey, here are more recipes that will complete your Thanksgiving spread.

  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Sausage Stuffing
  • Cornbread Dressing
  • Wild Mushroom Stuffing
  • Krissy’s Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Candied Yams
  • Perfect Green Bean Casserole
  • Roasted Broccoli
  • Fresh Cranberry Sauce
  • Fresh Cranberry Gelatin Mold
  • Dutch Apple Pie

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Prep15 minutes mins

Cook5 minutes mins

Brine time18 hours hrs

Total18 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 16 people

Author Krissy Allori

Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (10)

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This easy-to-make Turkey Brine recipe is made with lots of apple cider, salt, and all the right spices. Your turkey will be so incredibly moist and delicious.

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Equipment

  • brining bag turkey roasting bag works great

  • water canning pot or large bucket to help hold the brining bag

  • large cooler if there's not enough space in the refrigerator

Ingredients

Turkey Brine:

Turkey:

  • 12 pound turkey ensure its fully thawed if previously frozen, turkey size can vary, double the brine recipe for turkeys 20+ pounds
  • 2 valencia oranges quartered

Instructions

  • Combine apple cider, salt, peppercorns, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes until salt dissolves. Cool completely in refrigerator.

  • Remove giblets and neck from turkey, refrigerate until ready to use, and reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry. Trim excess fat. Stuff body cavity with orange quarters. Place a turkey-sized oven bag inside a large stockpot. Place turkey inside bag. Add cold cider mixture and ice. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible. twist top and secure with twist tie or tuck end so that it stays put. Refrigerate for 18 to 24 hours, turning turkey occasionally.

  • Once done, remove turkey from bag and discard brine and orange quarters. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

  • Cook turkey using your favorite method.

Notes

  • Nutritional information is based on the brine only, but you don’t really eat the brine, so I’m not sure why I bothered.
  • I use my canning pot to hold the turkey with the brine. It works perfectly and fits on the bottom shelf of my refrigerator as long as I clear everything else out.

Nutrition

Calories: 57kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4721mg, Potassium: 132mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave me acomment below

This post was originally created in 2019 but has been updated to include more helpful information. The recipe has remained unchanged.

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (11)

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Apple Cider Turkey Brine Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you use apple cider vinegar in turkey brine? ›

Citrus Apple Cider Vinegar Brine will make your turkey moist and full of flavor! This turkey brine is easy to make and worth the extra step to make a delicious turkey for Thanksgiving! Brine turkey for 8-12 hours.

Is apple cider vinegar a good brine? ›

Using an Apple Cider Brine boosts the flavor and tenderness of pork and poultry alike. Fresh herbs, garlic, whole spices, and apple cider combine to create a brine your eaters will rave about. If you've never experimented with brining your poultry or pork, you're definitely going to want to experiment with this.

How much apple cider vinegar to give turkeys? ›

If your turkeys show signs of illnesses, don't rush to medicate them. We are glad to share some organic healing methods with you here. Adding one tablespoon raw organic apple cider vinegar to each gallon of water can help a myriad of issues including dehydration, digestion issues, and general immune system weakness.

What should you put your turkey in to brine? ›

Here's What You'll Need:
  1. 2 gallons water.
  2. 2 cups kosher salt or coarse sea salt.
  3. A 5-gallon brining container (a large stock pot, bucket, or brining bag)
  4. 1 whole turkey, thawed.
  5. Optional: Large brining or oven-roasting bag to line container.
Sep 21, 2023

How long to soak meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

Allow to meld on counter about 1 hour prior to using the first time. Shake several times. Use to marinate meat or poultry for 3 hours.

Why do people soak meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

As a powerful bactericide, it helps eliminate any impurities in the meat. Throw in some sage, rosemary and chopped garlic and you'll have an excellent light marinade that won't mask the flavors of the meat, but will instead bring out the best in it to dramatic effect.

Can turkeys have apple cider vinegar? ›

Fresh clean water is as important as feed

Use electrolytes for 24 hours, 12 before and 12 after each time this happens. Apple cider vinegar is and excellent source of ascorbic acid using the rate of 1 oz. per gallon three days per week helps leg strength.

What happens when you soak in apple cider vinegar? ›

Adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) to a bath may promote general skin health. It may also help soothe the symptoms of any skin infections or other sources of irritation.

What is the ratio of vinegar to water for brine? ›

A general rule is 2/3 vinegar to 1/3 water when making brine. This ratio will result in an acidic enough base for whatever vegetable you choose to pickle. Other recipes may have a lighter vinegar brine but you must follow the exact recipe when using those or risk spoilage.

Does Braggs apple cider vinegar have worms in it? ›

It's safe to say that this batch of Bragg's Apple. cider vinegar does not contain worms.

What does vinegar do to a turkey? ›

When Top Chef winner Kristen Kish took over the responsibility of cooking Thanksgiving dinner, she gave her brother the job of roasting the turkey. This recipe, which she taught him, uses cider vinegar as the brine, which tenderizes it and yields flavorful drippings perfect for pan jus.

What tenderizes turkey? ›

To add extra flavor and tenderness to your Thanksgiving turkey, try a basic brine or you could even go for a dry brine. Soaking the turkey in this saltwater mixture helps to tenderize the meat while adding flavor and moisture throughout the entire turkey.

What is the formula for brine? ›

Basic Brine

Place that volume of water in a container large enough to hold the brine and the meat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of water you used and mix until the salt is completely dissolved. For example, if you are using 1 gallon (16 cups) of water, add 16 tablespoons (1 cup) of salt.

Do I rinse turkey after brining? ›

You should always rinse the turkey after wet or dry brining. Once rinsed, you can let the turkey air dry, uncovered, in the refrigerator for several hours, or pat it dry with a paper towel.

Can you brine turkey too long? ›

When you begin the brining process, set a timer or reminder to remove the turkey from the salt solution. Brining for too long can result in meat that tastes overly-salty and has a spongy texture.

What does vinegar do in brine? ›

This recipe, which she taught him, uses cider vinegar as the brine, which tenderizes it and yields flavorful drippings perfect for pan jus.

Does apple cider vinegar keep meat moist? ›

You can spritz meat with apple cider vinegar at full strength, but I prefer to use ½ water and ½ ACV. I think it does a great job of keeping the meat moist with a crispy outside. It also adds complexity to the flavour profile by adding a subtle tartness to the crust.

What kind of vinegar do you use to clean turkey? ›

The meat may be presoaked in a solution of water and acid — often white vinegar or lemon juice — then rinsed under running water prior to being seasoned with a dry rub or marinade, after which it's cooked or frozen.

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