As the seasons change and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a warm, spiced cider or enjoying a refreshing glass of hard cider. While many recipes call for fresh apples or apple cider, you can easily make delicious cider using apple juice concentrate. This method is perfect for those who want to skip the hassle of pressing their own apples or prefer a more convenient approach. In this article, we’ll explore how to make both apple cider concentrate and hard cider from apple juice concentrate, ensuring you have a delightful drink for any occasion.
Introduction to Apple Juice Concentrate
Apple juice concentrate is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of ciders. It’s essentially apple juice that has been evaporated to remove excess water, resulting in a thick, syrupy liquid. This concentrate can be reconstituted with water to create a drink similar to fresh apple juice. When choosing an apple juice concentrate for making cider, ensure it is 100% pure apple juice without added sugars or preservatives, as these can affect the fermentation process if you’re making hard cider.
Making Apple Cider Concentrate from Apple Juice Concentrate
If you prefer a non-alcoholic, spiced cider, you can easily create a concentrate using apple juice concentrate. This method is quicker and requires fewer ingredients than making hard cider.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of frozen organic apple juice concentrate
– 8 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
– 15 cloves
– 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into 1/4 inch coins
– Zest of one organic tangerine or small orange, removed from the fruit in strips without any of the pith
– Zest of one organic Meyer lemon removed from the fruit in strips without any of the pith
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Place the apple juice concentrate, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, tangerine zest, and Meyer lemon zest in a saucepan.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Steep: Remove from heat and let it steep for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Strain: Strain the mixture to remove the spices and zest.
- Store: Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To make a cup of cider, combine 1/4 cup of this concentrate with 3/4 cup boiling water. Adjust the ratio to your taste.
Making Hard Cider from Apple Juice Concentrate
For those who enjoy a bit of fermentation in their cider, making hard cider from apple juice concentrate is a fun and rewarding process. This method requires some patience but yields a delicious, fizzy drink perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 3 cans Apple Juice Concentrate
– Water up to 1 gallon
– 1/2 tsp Safale S-04 Ale Yeast (or similar cider yeast)
– Optional: Cinnamon stick, cloves for flavor
Instructions:
- Sanitize Equipment: Ensure all your equipment is sanitized to prevent contamination.
- Reconstitute Concentrate: Reconstitute the apple juice concentrate according to the package instructions, but use less water than recommended to achieve a stronger juice.
- Combine with Water: Add the reconstituted juice to a large container (like a carboy) and fill with water up to 1 gallon.
- Add Yeast: Add the ale yeast. If using spices like cinnamon or cloves, add them now.
- Shake and Seal: Shake the mixture well to distribute the yeast evenly, then seal the container with an airlock.
- Ferment: Allow the mixture to ferment for about three weeks. You’ll notice bubbles in the airlock as fermentation progresses.
- Check Specific Gravity: After fermentation, check the specific gravity to ensure it’s near 1.000, indicating fermentation is complete.
- Rack and Bottle: Rack the cider into clean containers, add a bit more apple juice if desired for flavor, and bottle.
- Secondary Fermentation: Allow the cider to undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottles for a couple of weeks before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cider
– Quality Matters: Use high-quality apple juice concentrate without preservatives or added sugars.
– Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like cinnamon, cloves, or ginger to create unique flavor profiles.
– Patience is Key: Fermentation takes time, so be patient and let the cider develop its full flavor.
– Sanitize Everything: Always sanitize your equipment to prevent contamination and ensure a healthy fermentation process.
Whether you’re making a warm, spiced cider or a refreshing hard cider, using apple juice concentrate is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of autumn any time of the year. With these simple recipes, you can create a variety of ciders to suit any taste or occasion. So, grab your ingredients and start brewing – the perfect glass of cider is just a few steps away!