Are you a fan of hard cider? Looking to add a twist to your favorite beverage? Look no further! We have the perfect recipe for you – Easy Cranberry Hard Cider. This delightful concoction combines the crispness of cider with the tartness of cranberries, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion.
To make this delicious beverage, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 gallon of apple cider
– 1 cup of cranberry juice
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 package of champagne yeast
To begin, pour the apple cider and cranberry juice into a large pot and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, sprinkle the champagne yeast over the top and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
After the yeast has activated, pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized fermentation vessel such as a glass carboy or a plastic bucket. Cover the vessel with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band or lid.
Allow the cider to ferment for about two weeks at room temperature. During this time, the yeast will convert the sugar into alcohol, creating the desired hard cider. After two weeks, the cider should be ready to drink.
To serve, pour the cider into glasses over ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries or apple slices for an added touch of elegance. Enjoy your homemade cranberry hard cider!
FAQs:
1. Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider for this recipe.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry juice?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, you will need to blend them and strain the juice before adding it to the cider.
3. Can I use a different type of yeast?
Champagne yeast works best for this recipe, but you can try using other yeast strains if desired.
4. How long does the cider need to ferment?
The cider should ferment for about two weeks at room temperature.
5. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
6. Can I carbonate the cider?
Yes, you can carbonate the cider by adding priming sugar and bottling it.
7. How long does the cider last?
The cider can last for several months if stored properly in a cool and dark place.
8. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Thaw them before blending and straining the juice.
9. Can I use a different type of juice?
Yes, you can experiment with different juice flavors to create variations of the recipe.
10. Can I add spices?
Yes, you can add spices such as cinnamon or cloves for extra flavor.
11. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of cranberry hard cider. Adjust the fermentation vessel accordingly.