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Cider is widely produced in Europe and North America – in fact, anywhere that apples are grown. To complement classic British recipes, cider is often served alongside hearty dishes like pork and roast dinners. In French cuisine, cider pairs beautifully with crêpes or rich cheese dishes.

Learn how to make cider properly to achieve the best results with every batch. While apples are the most common fruit used for cider production, you can also make it from pears for a delicious alternative.

How to make cider

If you have apple trees, making cider is key to utilising all your produce. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Gather your apples, discard any that have gone bad, and cut away bruised sections before using.
  2. Discard the cores and stalks, but use the rest of the apples, including their skins.
  3. Crush the apples into a pulp and gather all the juice.
  4. Transfer all the apple juice into an appropriate vessel for fermentation, like a demijohn.
  5. Cover the juice to prevent excessive oxidisation.
  6. Add yeast to the apple juice, approximately one gram of yeast for every five litres of cider.
  7. If desired, you can include caster sugar, which will increase the alcohol content of the cider.
  8. Place a valve in your fermentation vessel to release any gases produced.
  9. Leave the cider to ferment for over a week, keeping it out of direct contact with the sun. Maintain a consistent temperature for the yeast to work effectively.
  10. Remove the cider from the vessel and bottle it for preservation.
  11. Chill and serve.

How to make apple cider vinegar

To create apple cider vinegar from an existing batch of cider, place it in a container that is not airtight but can still keep out dust. A saucepan covered with a tea towel will suffice. Leave the cider at room temperature for three to four weeks, allowing it to transform into apple vinegar.

How to make mulled cider

Mulled cider is a great winter warmer. Here’s how to make it:

  • Gently warm a litre of cider in a pan on the hob.
  • Add brown sugar and the zest of two oranges or tangerines to taste.
  • For a milder mulled cider, add a splash of fresh apple juice.
  • Spice the mulled cider by adding a few whole cloves and cinnamon sticks, but remove them when serving.

How to make pear cider

Pear cider, known as perry, is made using the same method as apple cider. As pears are generally sweeter than apples, there's little to no need for additional sugar to achieve delicious results. When making pear cider, it’s best to use firm fruit that hasn't yet softened due to natural ripening.

Cider drinks

Cider is a refreshing drink that's typically enjoyed on its own over ice on a hot day. That being said, it can also be used as the main ingredient in many cocktails. For instance, if you enjoy sour alcoholic drinks that pack a punch, try sipping on a bourbon and apple cider cocktail. This drink can be made using different recipes, but it's most enjoyable when served long.

Combine cider with a single shot of bourbon with an equal portion of ginger beer to lessen the alcohol strength. Serve over ice, and add a hint of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. For a different twist, try a gin and cider cocktail. Fill a half-pint glass with ice, pour in your cider, then mix in a measure of dry London-style gin. Add a couple of dashes of lemon juice before serving.

Mustard Cider Dressing Recipes

Mustard cider dressing offers a delicious combination of tangy and savoury flavours, enhancing a wide variety of dishes. This versatile dressing is perfect for adding a flavourful punch to salads, meats, and roasted vegetables. In the following recipes, mustard cider dressing plays a key role in bringing out the best in each dish:

These dishes are elevated by the bold flavours of mustard cider dressing, making them perfect for any meal.

FAQs

How do you make alcoholic cider?

To create alcoholic cider, extract juice from apples, then add yeast to the mixture and seal the liquid into a suitable vessel. As the sugars in the juice ferment into alcohol, it enables the release of carbon dioxide. Add more sugar to raise the alcohol content. Once fermented, bottle the cider to keep it fresh.

Is brewing cider easy?

Yes, it is just as easy as making wine at home. The most challenging part is juicing enough apples, so consider investing in a cider press if you plan on making cider frequently or in large amounts.

Can cider turn into alcohol?

Cider is alcoholic by definition. It is a fermented form of apple juice. Once the yeast has died through a lack of available sugar, it will no longer keep fermenting, which means you can limit the alcohol content.

How long do you ferment cider for?

It is possible to ferment cider in as little as five days. However, keeping the yeast at an even temperature for a longer period —as much as a fortnight— will result in a tastier and more professional end product.