Make Cider


Cider is fermented apple juice. Cider Making is the traditional way of preserving apple juice and turning it into a very palatable alcoholic beverage. You may be surprised that home made cider is more fruity and potent than many commercial brands but many of the latter contain no more than 35% apple juice, the manufacturers having succumbed to the temptation to dilute the product. Here's your chance to discover the real thing!

COMMON QUESTIONS

Making cider is a relatively straightforward process but it can be daunting if you're new to it and even the most experienced cider makers sometimes run into trouble! We've taken some of the questions we get asked the most and provided the answers here to help you.

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QUICK GUIDE

Click here to download our Quick Guide cheat sheet for the entire cider making process!

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WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Cider making doesn't require a great deal of equipment, but there are a few essentials you'll need which you can find here!

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CRUSHING

Learn why crushing your apples before you press them is so important, and see how to crush them to get the most juice!

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PRESSING

Once they're crushed, you'll need to press your apples to get their juice to ferment into cider! Check out this in depth guide on how to press your apples with ease whilst having fun at the same time!

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FERMENTATION AND RACKING

Fermentation is the magic process that turns your apple juice into delicious cider. Check out our guide on how it works and how to get the best results.

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A HISTORY OF CIDER MAKING

Cider is a drink that's been around for thousands of years. Join us as we explore a brief history of cider making in the UK!

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IS MY CIDER READY TO DRINK?

The simple answer is drink it when it tastes good! Here we drill down into a bit more detail on how to tell when your cider is at its best.

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HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CIDER HAS GONE BAD

Sometimes things don't always go to plan. Here's what to look out for to check if your cider has gone bad.

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STORING CIDER

Once your cider is finished it's important to store it properly so it stays fresh. This guide will show you how.

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PASTEURISING SWEETENED CIDER

If you've sweetened your cider with sugar then it'll need to be pasteurised to stop it fermenting again in the bottle. Here's how.

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WHY PASTEURISATION IS IMPORTANT DURING CIDER MAKING

Pasteurising your cider offers a number of benefits including preserving its shelf life. Check them out here.

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10 GOOD REASONS TO MAKE CIDER

Of the hundreds of reasons to make your own cider, we've picked our top 10 here.

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THE BEST APPLES FOR CIDER MAKING

Any apple can be used to make cider, but there are certain highly regarded varieties, often referred to specifically as 'cider apples' that produce especially good ciders. Check out some of them here.

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WHAT OTHER FRUITS CAN I USE FOR CIDER MAKING?

Take a look at what other fruits you can use to take your cider in a different direction!

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TOP TIPS FOR PAIRING CIDER WITH FOOD

Like wine, pairing the perfect cider with your meal can completely transform it!

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BENEFITS AND USES OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar is often classified as a superfood. Check out some of the incredible benefits it offers, as well as some handy uses you may not have thought of!

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