There’s something magical about sipping on a glass of homemade hard apple cider, especially when the weather starts to cool down. Making your own cider is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious batch of Easy Homemade Hard Apple Cider that is perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace or sharing with friends at a gathering.
**Easy Homemade Hard Apple Cider**
**Ingredients:**
– 10-12 fresh apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon cloves
– Water
– Champagne yeast (can be purchased at your local brewing supply store)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:** Start by thoroughly washing the apples to remove any dirt or debris. Core and chop the apples into small pieces, leaving the skins on as they will add flavor and color to the cider.
2. **Boil the Apples:** Place the chopped apples in a large stockpot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the apples simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft and mushy.
3. **Extract the Juice:** Using a potato masher or a large spoon, mash the apples in the pot to release as much juice as possible. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. **Strain the Juice:** Line a large bowl with a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer and carefully pour the apple mixture into it. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as you can. Discard the solids and reserve the strained juice.
5. **Add Spices and Sugar:** Pour the apple juice back into the stockpot and add the white sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Stir well to combine.
6. **Fermentation:** Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, sprinkle the Champagne yeast over the liquid and gently stir. Cover the pot with a clean cloth or towel and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 7-10 days.
7. **Bottle the Cider:** After the fermentation period, carefully strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any remaining yeast sediment. Pour the clear cider into clean, airtight bottles or jars.
8. **Carbonation (Optional):** If you prefer a fizzy cider, you can add a small amount of additional sugar to each bottle before sealing it. Let the bottles sit at room temperature for another few days to allow natural carbonation to develop.
9. **Chill and Serve:** Once the cider has reached your desired level of carbonation, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. Enjoy your Easy Homemade Hard Apple Cider chilled over ice or warmed up with a cinnamon stick for added coziness.
Creating your own delicious batch of Easy Homemade Hard Apple Cider is a fun and rewarding experience that will impress your guests and elevate any cozy evening in. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties and spice combinations to customize the flavor to your liking. Share a glass with friends and family, and relish in the warmth and comfort of this delightful homemade treat.
