As the seasons change and the crisp autumn air sets in, nothing warms the heart quite like a mug of freshly made apple cider. Traditionally, apple cider is crafted from fresh apples, but what if you don’t have access to an orchard or the equipment to press your own apples? Fear not! You can easily make delicious apple cider using store-bought apple juice. This method is not only convenient but also allows you to enjoy the flavors of the season without the hassle of juicing fresh apples.
Why Use Apple Juice?
Using apple juice to make cider is a fantastic alternative for several reasons:
– Convenience: You can find apple juice in most grocery stores, making it easily accessible.
– Time-Saving: No need to spend hours pressing apples or dealing with the cleanup.
– Consistency: Store-bought juice often has a consistent flavor profile, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for a predictable taste.
Choosing the Right Apple Juice
When selecting apple juice for your cider, it’s crucial to choose a product that is:
– 100% Apple Juice: Ensure that the juice is made from apples only, without any added sugars or preservatives.
– Unfiltered: Unfiltered juice tends to have a richer flavor and more nutrients than filtered varieties.
– Pasteurized: Pasteurization helps kill off unwanted bacteria, making it safer for fermentation.
Basic Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make apple cider from apple juice:
– 64 Fluid Ounces of Organic Pasteurized Apple Juice
– 2 Grams of Cider Yeast (such as Saccharomyces bayanus)
– Optional Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other spices to enhance the flavor
– Sugar: Organic brown sugar or cane sugar for fermentation
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Equipment
- Clean and Sanitize: Wash your equipment with soap and water, then rinse with cheap vodka to sanitize. Allow it to air dry completely.
Making the Cider
- Prepare the Sugar Solution:
– Add 1 cup of boiling water to your fermentation jug.
– Add 75 grams of organic brown sugar and swirl until dissolved.
– Let it cool to room temperature.
- Activate the Yeast:
– Once the sugar solution has cooled, add the cider yeast.
– Gently swirl the mixture and wait about 30 minutes for the yeast to become frothy and active.
- Add Apple Juice:
– Using a funnel, carefully pour the pasteurized apple juice into the jug, leaving about two inches of headspace.
– Add optional spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves if desired.
- Seal and Ferment:
– Cap the jug and swirl it gently for a minute.
– Remove the cap and fit an airlock and stopper into the jug.
– Place the jug in a cool, dark area and allow it to ferment. You should start seeing bubbles in the airlock within a few hours.
- Monitor Fermentation:
– Allow the cider to ferment for 7 to 14 days, or until the bubbling in the airlock stops and sediment forms at the bottom of the jug.
- Rack the Cider:
– Carefully transfer the cider to a new, clean jug, leaving the sediment behind.
– Seal the jug with an airlock again.
- Aging:
– Let the cider age for about four weeks at room temperature or in the fridge.
Bottling and Carbonation
- Prepare Bottles:
– Clean and sterilize carbonation-safe bottles.
– Add one tablespoon of honey to each liter bottle (optional for carbonation).
- Transfer Cider:
– Using a funnel, transfer the cider into the bottles, leaving sediment behind.
– Cap the bottles and gently invert them twice to mix the honey with the cider.
- Secondary Fermentation:
– Allow the bottles to ferment at room temperature for five days to achieve carbonation.
– Check the carbonation by carefully opening a bottle over the sink. If it’s not carbonated enough, leave it at room temperature for another seven days.
- Chill and Enjoy:
– Once carbonated, store the bottles in the fridge.
– Allow the cider to chill before serving. You can age it for another three weeks in the fridge for a smoother flavor.
Tips and Variations
– Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to create unique flavor profiles.
– Use Concentrate: If using apple juice concentrate, ensure it’s 100% pure and reconstitute according to the package instructions before boiling it for use.
– Blend of Apples: If you have access to fresh apples, consider blending sweet, tart, and bitter varieties for a more complex flavor.
Making apple cider from apple juice is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the flavors of the season without the need for specialized equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just starting out, this method is perfect for anyone looking to create a delicious and refreshing drink at home. So, grab a jug of apple juice and get brewing!