5 Delicious Hard Cider Recipes You Can Make at Home

5 Delicious Hard Cider Recipes You Can Make at Home - hard cider recipe

Introduction

Hard cider lately has become much more popular so it changed from something only a few people drank to a drink that many fans of beer and wine really love. Hard cider attracts many people because it has a taste that is refreshing as well as many different flavors. This drink often becomes the choice for both casual meetings and special celebrations. Enjoying the crisp taste of traditional apple cider or maybe the adventurous flavors from fruit-infused options is a choice you can make. The world of hard cider is not only rich but very diverse too.

Making hard cider by yourself at home can be really rewarding since it gives you chance to try out various kinds of apples and mix different flavors together. This article is going to take you through five hard cider recipes that are delicious and can be easily made by you at home. These recipes are made for every palate since they range from sweet to dry. Gather your ingredients now and be prepare to start a journey of flavors which will surely amaze friends and family members!

1. Classic Hard Cider Recipe

For those who want to explore home brewing the classic hard cider recipe is something you should definitely try. Transforming fresh apples into a delicious alcoholic drink is a process that is simple but also very rewarding. Here’s a way for you to create your very own hard cider right at home.

Ingredients:

Two gallons of fresh apple juice will be good if you use local brands such as Tree Top or Mott’s.
One packet of yeast for champagne or cider such as Lalvin EC-1118 you will need.
1 cup of sugar it can be optional if you want more sweetness.
You should use 1 teaspoon of potassium metabisulphite because it helps to prevent spoilage.
To clarify the cider a teaspoon of pectic enzyme should be used.

Fermentation Process:

Begin with making sure all your equipment is clean. This is really important to stop bad bacteria from spoiling your batch. For the best outcome use a sanitizer such as Star San.
Pour the apple juice into a fermentation vessel while making sure to leave some space at the top. If you want to make your cider sweeter then dissolve the sugar in a bit of warm water and add this mixture to the juice.
Stirring well just after you add the potassium metabisulphite plus the pectic enzyme is needed for incorporating them. This combination helps to keep your cider’s flavor and clarity protected.
When the mixture cools to room temperature you can sprinkle the yeast right on top. Do not mix it at all and just cover the container with either an airlock or a lid.
Find a cool dark place where to put your fermentation vessel. It should ferment around 1-2 weeks. In the airlock bubbles you will see which means fermentation goes really well.
Once fermentation slows down you will need to transfer the cider into clean bottles using a siphon this way the sediment stays behind. Caps or corks should be used to seal them then they can be let to age for minimum one month before you enjoy.

This classic recipe for hard cider is not just easy to follow but it also lets you do lots of customization. Have fun while you make your own cider in your own home!

2. Spiced Apple Hard Cider Recipe

If having a better hard cider experience is what you want then this spiced apple hard cider recipe should be tried because it brings out rich flavors of the apples combined with a warm and aromatic blend of spices. When high-quality ingredients are used it can make a big difference for achieving a finished product that is really tasty. This is how you can make it by yourself at home.

First it is important to collect these ingredients that you will need:.

A gallon of fresh apple cider can be found so search for brand names such as Martinelli’s Pure Apple Juice.
1 cup of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of whole cloves
1 teaspoon of allspice berries
One stick of cinnamon (like Penzeys Spices) can be used.
One cup of vodka that is high-quality you can try Ketel One or it could be rum instead.
For fermentation to be really optimal it is yeast which should be used Red Star Premier Blanc.

Then you should follow these easy steps in the next part.

In a big pot you should combine together the apple cider with brown sugar and then add the cloves along with allspice and a stick of cinnamon.
The mixture should be heated on medium heat till it simmers and you need to stir it sometimes for the sugar to dissolve.
Take it off the heat and then it should cool down a little. When it is warm and not hot you can add the vodka or rum.
You have to add the yeast and then gently stir it for mixing. After that this mixture should be let to ferment inside a container that is sanitized.
To let the flavors blend and for carbonation to build up, first you should seal the fermenter. Then store it in a cool place which is also dark for around one week.

So after a week you should transfer your spiced apple hard cider into bottles carefully by using a funnel or siphon. Don’t forget to do a taste test and maybe change any spice levels based on what you like. This hard cider recipe is great not just for fall gatherings but also for those cozy evenings by the fire.

3. Ginger Hard Cider Recipe

When you want to make your hard cider experience better ginger can be a fantastic way for adding a unique twist. This Ginger Hard Cider Recipe adds warm spicy notes which they complement well with the crisp flavor of apple. Making it is quite simple and sipping it can be enjoyable no matter the season.

What you will need is this:.

A preferred choice is unfiltered apple juice which is often called Simply Apple perhaps one gallon of it would be great.
1 cup of sugar (granulated)
For the best flavor you should try 2 to 3 ounces of fresh ginger that has been peeled and sliced. Organic ginger is recommended.
One package of champagne yeast such as Red Star Champagne Yeast is needed.
A clean fermentation vessel which you can use is a glass carboy from Northern Brewer for example.
Airlock and stopper

To make your Ginger Hard Cider just follow these simple steps:.

First you need to brew a ginger infusion. So in a saucepan you take your sliced ginger and add 1 cup of water then you should bring this mixture to a boil. After it boils let it simmer for 15 minutes about and then you will strain the ginger out. Finally let the liquid cool after that.
Pour the gallon of apple juice into your fermentation vessel and then add in the sugar while stirring it until it becomes dissolved.
Combine the cooled ginger infusion and then add the champagne yeast on the top. No stirring is needed so just allow it to rest for a bit.
You should close the fermentation vessel by using the airlock and then you will put it in a cool and dark spot for around 1 to 2 weeks. Fermentation will happen in this period and this is when the bubbly cider gets made that is delicious.
When the fermentation has finished you need to carefully move your cider into bottles that come from Craft Brew Supplies while some sediment is left behind. Also you may want to put a teaspoon of sugar in each bottle so carbonation can happen.
Make sure your bottles are capped tight then let them condition for 1 to 2 weeks more before you chill them and enjoy it!

An invigorating flavor is offered by this Ginger Hard Cider and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Why not give it a shot since you can enjoy this spiced twist that’s on classic hard cider?

4. Berry Blend Hard Cider Recipe

You will enjoy a mix of tasty flavors when you try the Berry Blend Hard Cider Recipe because it is delightful to sip on. This hard cider it is so refreshing because it mix a variety of berries which makes a taste that is vibrant. It works great not only for warm summer days but also for cozy autumn evenings.

For making this delicious berry cider the following ingredients you will need are:.

5 cups includes a mix of berries like blueberries strawberries raspberries and blackberries.
To enjoy 1 gallon of apple cider you should choose a good brand such as Martinelli’s or perhaps Tree Top for best flavor.
1 cup sugar should be added based on how tart the berries are so you can adjust it to the flavor you like.
1 packet can be made from champagne yeast like Lallemand EC-1118.
1 tsp of cinnamon (optional)

To make your berry blend hard cider which is delicious you can follow these easy steps.

Take a big pot and put in your mixed berries with some sugar and then put it on heat gently so the sugar dissolves while the juices come out. Remember to stir from time to time.
When the mix has been simmering you should let it cool down all the way. This blend adds not just flavor but also gives a nice color that will make your cider look great.
In a vessel for fermentation, you want to pour the mixture of cooled berries and then add the apple cider. Combine by stirring them together.
Ensure that you add the champagne yeast and it must be well-distributed throughout the mixture so a balanced fermentation can happen.
An airlock should be used to cover the vessel and then you can let it ferment in a cool plus dark place for around two weeks.
When fermentation finish you should siphon the cider into bottles and remember to leave some headspace while capping tightly them.
Let your Berry Blend Hard Cider age for at least one more week because this will improve the flavors and make it taste better when chilled. Enjoying it homemade style is really nice.

A great method to create your own unique hard cider is through this berry blend hard cider recipe where flavors can be experimented with and enjoyed in a delightful way. When you mix sweet berries and tart ones your cider experience gets elevated. This will make it a favorite go-to for family and friends alike.

5. Maple Bourbon Hard Cider Recipe

Are you in search of a drink which brings warm feelings and comfort? Your solution is the Maple Bourbon Hard Cider. This cozy hard cider recipe is really great for chilly evenings or festive gatherings because it combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and the smooth kick from bourbon.

Here is how you can make this lovely mix in your home yet:.

Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of organic apple cider (such as Martinelli’s)
- You should try using 2 cups of pure maple syrup which is really good for your recipes Maple Grove Farms.
- If seeking a smooth option then 750 ml of bourbon is what you should chose use Buffalo Trace.
- Just add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon if you want more warmth and it’s optional too.
- Using about 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg can be optional as it might enhance the flavor.
Equipment:
- A large pot for mixing
- A thermometer is used for checking the temperature.
- A bottle or maybe a pitcher can be used for storing things.

Instructions:

In a big pot, the organic apple cider should be warmed over medium heat. It should not be boiled though you want it hot enough so that the maple syrup can dissolve easily.
You should add the maple syrup right and then stir it until it is totally dissolved.
If you want to you can add nutmeg and cinnamon for more flavor and make sure to stir it well.
Take the pot away from the heat and you should let it cool a bit before the bourbon is added. Doing this helps to keep the alcohol content.
When the mixture cools down you should then pour it into a pitcher or maybe a bottle. Once you are ready to serve it, put in the refrigerator to chill.
Pour it on ice and add a slice of apple or maybe a stick of cinnamon to make it more charming.

This Maple Bourbon Hard Cider recipe is not just tasty but it also allows for a lot of changes. Go ahead and try out different varieties of bourbon or you can also include some spices that you like. Here’s to warm drinks enjoyed in comfort!

Conclusion

To sum it up making your own hard cider at home can be really a joyful and satisfying thing to do. Starting with the refreshing Angry Orchard Crisp Apple recipe and then moving to the spiced notes of Woodchuck Hard Cider Amber, a variety of flavors are offered by the five recipes we’ve looked into that can satisfy almost any palate. Every recipe highlights how simple it is which lets you focus more on the joy that comes from making tasty drinks.

You are encouraged to try out different ingredients and flavor profiles while you explore the craft of making hard cider. Think about adding some unique fruits or maybe spices in order to put your own twist on these classic dishes. Keep in mind that a great hard cider recipe has its core in creativity so innovative ideas should not be hesitated by you. Take pleasure in the journey while you create and tell your friends about what you’ve made. Do not forget to enjoy the rewards from your hard work! Cheers!