Overview of Hard Apple Cider
Hard cider has deep roots in European traditions, with England, France, and Spain leading the way in production for centuries. The drink even traces back to Ancient Greece, where Julius Caesar encountered cider when he attempted to invade Britain. Today, the UK remains the world’s leading cider producer per capita.
In the U.S., hard cider has a rich history as one of the oldest beverages consumed. Early American settlers relied heavily on apples for cider, as the drink was safer to consume than water at the time. While cider fell out of favor during Prohibition, it’s now experiencing a major comeback—especially in the fall when apples are in season.
Hard apple cider typically has an ABV ranging between 4.5% to 7%, offering a refreshing balance of sweetness and tang. This beloved autumn beverage is crafted from fermented apple juice, which develops into a flavorful, low-alcohol drink. Hard cider has a crisp, bright taste that appeals to those seeking a gluten-free alternative to beer. Its sweetness and lighter profile often make it more approachable than beer.
Ciders come in a variety of taste profiles, from dry to fruity, allowing drinkers to enjoy a broad spectrum of flavors. The four main categories of cider are:
- Dry – The least sweet, with minimal residual sugar.
- Off-Dry – Slightly sweet but still crisp.
- Semi-Dry – Offers a more balanced sweetness.
- Sweet – The sweetest type, ideal for dessert pairings.
As the air turns cooler, hard apple cider becomes a seasonal favorite. Whether you prefer a drier cider or one with fruity, sweet notes, it’s an easy beverage to enjoy at any gathering!
Easy Hard Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients:
Concentrated Apple Juice: Use concentrated apple juice instead of NFC juice.
Water: Adjust the amount of water used to dilute the juice to 11 Brix (check the nutrition facts for the juice’s Brix).
Yeast: Add 1.5 grams of yeast.
Yeast Nutrient: Add 1.5 grams of yeast nutrient to provide the amino nitrogen needed for yeast growth.
Directions:
Dilution: Dilute concentrated apple juice with water to reach 11 Brix.
IGulu S1: Select the “cider” program on the Igulu S1 and start brewing.
Variations:
Flavoring: Combine apple juice with other fruit juices for different flavor profiles.
Fruit Beer: Brew using other fruit juices instead of apple juice to create different fruit beers.
This guide provides a simple and convenient method for brewing delicious apple cider using the Igulu S1. The Igulu S1’s built-in program makes the process easy, requiring minimal user intervention.
Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hard apple cider?
Hard apple cider is a fermented beverage made from apple juice, with an alcohol content typically ranging from 4.5% to 7%. It offers a gluten-free alternative to beer, with a bright, fruity profile, and is especially popular during the fall.
How do you make hard apple cider at home?
Follow this recipe, checkout the step-by-step diagram or look at the video tutorial to see how to make Hard Apple Cider at home.
What alcohol is in hard apple cider?
The alcohol in hard apple cider is ethanol, produced during fermentation as the yeast consumes the sugars in the apple juice. The result is a refreshing, low-alcohol beverage with a typical ABV of 4.5% to 7%.
What does hard apple cider taste like?
Hard apple cider has a crisp, refreshing taste, with flavors ranging from dry to sweet. Depending on the fermentation process and apple variety used, it can taste fruity, tart, or even slightly earthy, making it a versatile beverage for any occasion.
