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–+ servings
Smoked and brined turkey.

Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Carne Diem Culinary
Brining is the best way to achieve that tender and juicy Thanksgiving turkey. This apple cider turkey brine, strikes the perfect balance of flavors and locks in the moisture for an perfectly juicy turkey.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Brines and Marinades, Rubs and Seasonings
Cuisine American, North American
Servings 1 Turkey
Calories 1982 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Brining bag or bucket

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Quarts Apple Cider
  • 1 Cup Kosher Salt
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Oranges cut into 8ths
  • 1 Apple cut into 8ths
  • 1 Inch Ginger sliced
  • 10 Whole Cloves
  • 4 Bay Leaves
  • 4 Garlic Cloves sliced
  • 1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Sprig Sage about 10 leaves
  • 2 Sprigs Thyme
  • 4 Cups Water
  • 6 Cups Ice

Instructions
 

  • Prep your ingredients by cutting the oranges and apples into 8ths. Thinly slice the ginger and garlic.
  • Add the water and apple cider to a large pot along with the salt and brown sugar. Slowly bring the liquid to a boil, stirring frequently until all of the salt and sugar is dissolved.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, except the ice, to the pot and return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ice. Cover and place in the refrigerator until cooled.
  • Place your turkey in a large brining bag or brining bucket and cover with the brine. Seal and place in the refrigerator overnight or up to 24 hours. See note
  • When you are ready to cook, remove the turkey from the brine and briefly rinse. Pat the outside of the turkey dry and use your favorite method for cooking the turkey.

Notes

Note 1: If needed you can add some additional water of apple cider to make sure the turkey is mostly covered.  Flip the turkey over half way through the brining process.

Nutrition

Calories: 1982kcalCarbohydrates: 500gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 113442mgPotassium: 3143mgFiber: 18gSugar: 439gVitamin A: 885IUVitamin C: 172mgCalcium: 685mgIron: 7mg
Keyword apple, apple cider, Brown Sugar, clove, ginger, Orange, sage, thyme
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