Drunken Homemade Honeycrisp Apple Cider. (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol to add to apple cider? ›

Many alcohols mix well with apple cider. Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

This homemade apple cider is made with honeycrisp apples, spices and vanilla. It's incredible served hot or cold, especially with a pour of bourbon!

Depending on the temperature, the entire fermentation process may take from 1-3 months. There's not much harm in letting the cider sit for even longer than that, as long as it's cool and out of direct sunlight. You'll know it's time to bottle, when you watch the airlock for 5 minutes-time it!-

Apple juice usually contains enough sugar to produce a hard cider containing 4 to 6% alcohol. If you want a cider with a higher alcohol content, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup at the beginning of the fermentation process.

Utilizing apple juice concentrate is one way to add more apple character if your cider seems to be lacking in a fruity apple character. Many cidermakers will boost the character by adding sugars like maple syrup or brown sugar. This will boost alcohol level and add a hint of molasses as well.

Apple cider is apple juice that has not been filtered and still contains all the apple pieces, pulp, and sediment. It is the raw, purer version of apple juice. To make an alcoholic cider, yeast is added which converts the sugar into alcohol. Simple right? Hard cider is the adult version of apple cider.

Best Apples for Cider

The best apple variety for cider depends on your taste preferences. If you like sweet cider, opt for a sweeter type like Gala or Fuji. If you prefer a tart flavor, try something like McIntosh or Pink Lady.

How many apples does it take to make a gallon of cider? - It will take just a little over a peck or 36-42 medium apples to make just one gallon of cider.

Honeycrisp Apple Cider is a definite favorite, known for it's intense sweetness and beautiful golden honey color. Super crisp and refreshing served chilled, but can also be heated for a comforting seasonal treat.

What happens if you let cider ferment too long? ›

If you leave it a long time, and you have used little to no sulfites, there may begin a spontaneous "malo-lactic fermentation." This is a very slight spritzing in the fermenter which will lower your acidity and smooth out the cider - this is good.

Do not stir. Add the lid loosely to the fermenter or attach an airlock (partially filled with water) and seal the lid. Primary fermentation should begin in 24-36 hours and should finish in 5-9 days. After the fermentation slows down, you should rack the cider into a clean carboy and attach a stopper and an airlock.

While hard cider can be aged for years, it becomes drier as time passes, and the general shelf-life of cider is considered to be a year or two.

Final Gravity (FG)

Our cider alcohol by volume (ABV) calculator can help you calculate the alcohol content of your own cider, based on gravity change. NB: This ABV calculator uses the standard equation (ABV = (og – fg) * 131.25). This calculator should be used as a guide for home cider makers only.

A simple and tasty aperitif, vodka and apple juice is an elegant, tart mixed drink that can be garnished with a slice of apple for extra effect.

Both in terms of spices used, but some use beer or fortified wine as well. You can go multiple directions with base spirit as well. We do both rum and bourbon. Look up a couple of recipes and adjust to your own taste.