Using Yeast to Ferment Apple Juice Into "Hard Cider" At Home

We made a video recently on this fun project that you can see at (https://youtu.be/fGnBdEGwQk0)

It's very simple and produced a tasty enough result that you can drink withing 1-2 weeks.

NOTE: There's a huge rabbit hole you can go down with making hard cider at home, it is a complex process that takes months. This is the most basic method that will produce a decent alcoholic cider in under 2 weeks

Ingredients/Equipment:

• 1/2 Gallon Apple Juice - No preservatives works better but any will do
• 1 Packet of Yeast- Cider Yeast or Champagne Yeast work best but we preferred the cider.
• 1 Brewing Waterlock- These are available online or any brewing specialty shop for a couple of dollars. They allow the gas to escape without any contaminants getting in. (see video for what they look like)

Steps:

• 1) Mix 1/4 pack of yeast thoroughly into a couple ounces of lukewarm water. This will jump start the yeast and it's also best to have the apple juice at room temperature
• 2) Pour the yeast solution into the apple juice container, leaving some space at the top as it will expand in volume over time
• 3) Fill the water-lock with water up to its fill line and place into the opening of the apple juice bottle. (The bottle would burst over time if you just replaced the cap)
• 4) Leave in a dark, cool space (62-68 Degrees F) for 1-2 Weeks

And that's all it takes!! At the end of this process you will have a hard cider that is around 5-7% Alcohol by Volume. If you are interested in home brewing cider, this is a fun way to get your feet (and whistle) wet!

bon appetit