When the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold glass of hard cider to warm up. But why settle for just any old cider when you can create your own unique flavors at home? In this article, we’ll explore 18 simple and easy hard cider recipes that are sure to refresh your fall gatherings or cozy nights in. From classic dry ciders to sweet and fruity concoctions, these recipes showcase the versatility of apples and the art of fermentation.
Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just starting out, these recipes are perfect for beginners and experienced cidersmiths alike. So grab some apples, get creative, and let’s dive into the world of hard cider!
Spiced Apple Hard Cider
Transform ordinary apple cider into a warm and spicy delight with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the ground nutmeg and allspice, stirring well to combine.
5. Simmer an additional 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the cider.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
7. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or individual mugs to serve.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy your warm and spicy Spiced Apple Hard Cider!
Classic Dry Hard Cider
A crisp and refreshing cider perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a dry, tangy cider with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 3 gallons apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed)
– 1 package champagne yeast (EC-1118 or equivalent)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon acid blend (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sanitize all equipment and ingredients according to recommended procedures.
2. Mix the apple cider and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Pitch the champagne yeast, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
4. Seal the fermenter and allow fermentation to proceed at 68°F – 72°F (20°C – 22°C) for 6-8 weeks.
5. Rack the cider off sediment and transfer it to a secondary fermenter or keg.
6. Allow the cider to clarify and mature for an additional 2-4 weeks.
Cooking Time:
– Fermentation: 6-8 weeks
– Secondary fermentation: 2-4 weeks
Honey Infused Hard Cider
Transform your favorite hard cider into a sweet and tangy treat with this easy recipe that infuses the flavors of honey and apple.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (chilled)
– 1 cup pure honey
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: cinnamon sticks or other spices for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Combine chilled hard cider, honey, and water in a large pitcher or container.
2. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved, creating a sweet and syrupy mixture.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, strain the cider through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any sediment.
5. If desired, add cinnamon sticks or other spices for an added layer of flavor.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 24 hours
– Serving time: immediate
Tips: For a stronger honey flavor, use a higher ratio of honey to cider. Experiment with different types of honey and spices to create unique flavor profiles.
Berry Blast Hard Cider
This refreshing cider recipe combines the sweetness of mixed berries with the crispness of hard cider, perfect for a warm summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (any variety)
– 1 cup mixed berry juice (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine the hard cider and mixed berry juice.
2. Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well.
4. If desired, add a cinnamon stick to the pitcher for added flavor.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Berry Blast Hard Cider!
Ginger Zest Hard Cider
Elevate your cider game with this refreshing and spicy recipe that combines the warmth of ginger with the tanginess of hard apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard apple cider (at least 6% ABV)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the hard cider, sliced ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the ginger has lost its potency.
4. Strain the cider into a secondary fermenter or a large pitcher to remove the solids.
5. Chill the cider in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 1 gallon of Ginger Zest Hard Cider
Vanilla Bean Hard Cider
Elevate your cider game with this creamy and dreamy Vanilla Bean Hard Cider recipe, perfect for crisp fall evenings.
Ingredients:
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon yeast nutrient (optional)
• 1 packet champagne yeast
Instructions:
1. Sanitize all equipment and ingredients.
2. Combine apple cider, sugar, and yeast nutrient (if using) in a large pot.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla bean. Let steep for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Strain cider through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a sanitized fermenting vessel.
6. Pitch yeast and seal the container.
7. Ferment at 68°F (20°C) for 14-21 days, or until bubbles form on the surface.
8. Bottles and condition for 2-4 weeks before enjoying.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (steeping time)
Cinnamon Swirl Hard Cider
Transform your hard cider into a warm, spiced delight perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the crisp flavors of apple cider with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (unpasteurized)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the hard cider, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider swirl for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the cider into a clean container, discarding the spices.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Peach Cobbler Hard Cider
Elevate your cider game with this sweet and tangy Peach Cobbler Hard Cider recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (any style)
– 1/2 cup peach puree
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the hard cider, peach puree, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors are well combined (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or container to remove the solids.
5. Chill the cider in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
Enjoy your delicious Peach Cobbler Hard Cider!
Citrus Splash Hard Cider
Combine the freshness of citrus with the warmth of hard cider for a refreshing and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider (hard or soft)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Slices of orange and lemon for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon.
4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the cider into a pitcher or individual glasses.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of orange and lemon.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (heating) + chilling time
Caramel Apple Hard Cider
Combine the warmth of caramel with the crispness of apples and the sweetness of hard cider for a unique and delicious beverage.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2-3 sliced apples (Granny Smith or other variety of your choice)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Add cinnamon and nutmeg; stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until caramel reaches desired color.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Add caramel sauce to cider and stir until fully incorporated.
6. Pour cider into glasses and top with sliced apples.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider
Warm up with a glass of autumnal goodness! This Pumpkin Spice Hard Cider recipe combines the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a deliciously seasonal drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 bottle of your favorite hard cider (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider infuse for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or individual glasses. If desired, add your favorite hard cider and stir gently.
5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a cinnamon stick or pumpkin pie spice.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
Cherry Vanilla Hard Cider
Transform your ordinary cider into a rich and indulgent Cherry Vanilla Hard Cider with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup cherry juice
• 1/4 cup vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, cherry juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Strain the cider into a pitcher or bottles. Discard solids.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (including steeping time)
Enjoy your delicious Cherry Vanilla Hard Cider!
Maple Pecan Hard Cider
Warm up with a glass of this autumnal cider, infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for crisp fall evenings.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– 1 lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine apple cider and maple syrup in a large pot or fermenter.
2. Add chopped pecans and stir to combine.
3. If desired, add a cinnamon stick and/or lemon slice for added flavor and aroma.
4. Allow the mixture to steep at room temperature for 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Strain the cider through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
6. Store the cider in the refrigerator and serve chilled, garnished with additional pecans if desired.
Cooking Time: 24 hours
Lemon Lime Hard Cider
Brighten up your beverage game with this refreshing Lemon Lime Hard Cider recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider (hard or sweet)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
– 1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, and lime juice.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add grated lime zest to the mixture.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a slice of lemon or lime if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve.
Raspberry Bliss Hard Cider
Elevate your cider game with this refreshing recipe that combines the sweetness of raspberries with the crispness of hard cider.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (chilled)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled hard cider and raspberries.
2. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Serve cold and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time) + chill time
Pear and Ginger Hard Cider
Transform your hard cider into a delightful autumnal treat by infusing it with the sweetness of pears and the spiciness of ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider, chilled
– 2-3 ripe Bartlett pears, peeled and sliced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or container, combine the sliced pears and ginger.
2. Pour in the chilled hard cider, making sure that all fruit is covered.
3. Cover the pot or container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the cider into a large pitcher or jug, discarding the solids.
5. If desired, add honey to taste and stir well to combine.
6. Chill the cider in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 24 hours
– Chilling time: 2 hours
Blueberry Basil Hard Cider
Elevate your cider game with this refreshing twist on traditional hard cider, infused with the sweetness of blueberries and the subtlety of basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 packet champagne yeast (Red Star or Lalvin)
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add blueberries and basil to the pot. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the blueberries have popped and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer the mixture to a sanitized fermentation vessel and add yeast according to package instructions.
5. Seal the vessel and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, or until fermentation is complete.
6. Rack the cider off sediment and transfer to kegs or bottles for carbonation.
Cooking Time: 2-3 weeks (fermentation), plus time for carbonation.
Smoky Oak Barrel Hard Cider
Transform your hard cider into a rich and complex beverage with the flavors of smoked oak barrels. This recipe infuses the bold notes of oak woodsmoke into your cider, perfect for those who enjoy smoky, whiskey-like undertones.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard cider (preferably unfiltered)
– 1/2 cup dry wood chips (oak or a blend)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Combine the wood chips and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a syrupy liquid (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Add the cooled wood chip mixture and vanilla extract to the hard cider.
5. Stir well to combine and store in an airtight container at room temperature for at least 2 weeks to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 2-3 weeks (depending on desired level of smokiness)
Summary
Get ready to refresh your drink game with these 18 simple and easy hard cider recipes! From classic dry ciders to fruity twists and seasonal sippers, there’s something for every taste. Spice up your apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg, or infuse it with honey for a sweet treat. Try berry-inspired blends like blueberry basil or raspberry bliss. For a fall favorite, make a pumpkin spice cider or a citrusy splash. Whatever the occasion, these recipes will have you sipping in style.
