Homebrewing doesn't have to be difficult. Everything you need can be obtained at the grocery store.... really! Here is a simple recipe for a cider. Since homebrewing can be complicated, we remove all the worry and fear here. Don't worry about fancy scientific terms, tools, or complex processes. Just have fun with this recipe. If you have fun, you'll grow your interest in the other things... I PROMISE! This is such a rewarding hobby.
Grocery Store Cider (~4-8% ABV)
Ingredients:
(Links on Starting Equipment Page)
One large jug apple juice (Amazon) (make sure it does not have sorbate or anything that ends in -ate in the ingredients. Ascorbic acid is fine).
Active dry bread yeast. (Amazon) If you can wait for delivery, US04 (Amazon) is a superior yeast for beginning ciders (in my opinion), and this order will last you several ciders if you use half a packet at a time.
Rubbing alcohol (cheaper to buy at your store just make sure it is ONLY alcohol and no added fragrances and make ABSOLUTELY SURE you allow it to dry completely).
Items that make life easier (Amazon Links):
Bung (the thing to plug the hole in the top).
3 piece airlock (fill this with the next item listed below).
Sanitizer (this sanitizer is worth every penny and will last you for a long time).
Instructions:
When doing any of these steps, make sure work areas are clean. Where it says sanitize, use rubbing alcohol to coat surfaces and allow to dry completely. This kills any other organisms that can cause problems. (Pro Tip: Use a cheap bottle sprayer for your rubbing alcohol and spray surfaces).
Empty approximately 1 cup of juice to create space between the juice and the top.
Close the lid and sanitize (if using alcohol, allow to dry completely).
Add 2 tsp active dry yeast to the jug of juice.
IMPORTANT: Gas created from fermentation can pop or break your jugs.
Place the lid back on the jug, but make sure it is loose enough to allow gasses to escape.
Place in an area with stable temperatures for 14 days (28 days is better).
Check the lid after 2 days to make sure gasses are able to escape (you should smell fermentation).
After 14 days, pour the liquid into airtight jars that have been sanitized with alcohol. The goal here is to leave the settled yeast at the bottom.
Use a sanitized spoon to gently stir the liquid and get any gasses out of it. When bubbles seem minimal, you are done (you still want a little bit).
Rinse out the old container (do not use soaps as they will add aromas and flavors) and sanitize.
Gently pour (down the side is best) the liquid back into the sanitized jug.
Place the lid on tightly, and put in the refrigerator.
Enjoy after 14 days.
Bonus points if you can wait 30 more days. The flavors will improve.
The cider will be semisweet. Feel free to add fruit to taste when pouring the finished product into your glass. That's it! You've just made alcohol!
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