How to Make Home Brew Cider

Introduction: Why a Cider Brewing Kit is the Perfect Place to Start

There’s nothing quite like sipping a crisp, refreshing cider that you’ve made yourself. If you’ve ever considered trying home brewing, cider is arguably the most approachable and satisfying place to start. This home brew cider recipe guide is tailored for UK brewers and takes you through everything you need to know, from ingredients and equipment to simple steps and helpful tips based on real-world experience.

A home brew cider kit with apples, a carboy, and other brewing equipment on a wooden table.

The rise in popularity of home-brewed cider across the UK is largely due to its simplicity and affordability, as well as its deep cultural roots. Whether you’re starting with a supermarket juice or stepping up to a dedicated cider home brew kit, you’ll find this process rewarding from the very first bottle. A simple cider brewing kit provides a great foundation and makes the entire process much easier.

Why Choose a Home Brew Cider Recipe?

It’s Easy, Affordable, and Incredibly Rewarding

Compared to beer or wine, cider requires fewer tools and steps. I first dabbled with wine in my teens using rosehips from the hedge—a memorable disaster (“firewater” comes to mind). Cider, thankfully, is far simpler.

With just a home cider making kit or even a demijohn and a few basics, you’ll be fermenting confidently. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with flavours and ingredients. From the first time I tried a Guinness beer kit, I learned how kit brewing can really surprise you with quality.

British Apples and the Cider Tradition

Cider has strong roots in UK brewing culture, with traditional methods still inspiring modern recipes. Even if you’re not crushing apples in an orchard, good quality supermarket juice can yield excellent results.

The beauty is in the choice: go traditional with dry, sharp cider, or opt for something sweeter or spiced. I enjoy tweaking every batch—I see it as part of the fun.

Equipment You’ll Need for Brewing Home Brew Cider

Basic Equipment Checklist

To follow this home brew cider recipe, you’ll need just a few essentials:

  • 1-gallon (4.5-litre) or 5-litre fermentation vessel like a demijohn or bucket
  • Bung and airlock
  • Siphon or auto-siphon
  • Sanitising solution (VWP or Star San)
  • Swing-top bottles or bottles with crown caps

If you’re not sure which fermenter to choose, check out this guide comparing the demijohn and carboy styles here.

Optional Extras for Better Results

  • Hydrometer (for checking alcohol levels)
  • Campden tablets (to prevent wild yeast or stop fermentation)
  • Brewing thermometer (especially important if you’re battling high summer temps—I once ruined a batch due to heat and foaming!)

Ingredients for a Simple Home Brew Cider Recipe

Core Ingredients

  • 4–5 litres of preservative-free apple juice
  • 1 sachet of cider yeast (wine or bread yeast as backup)
  • 1 tsp yeast nutrient (optional but helps fermentation)
  • Sugar (optional for higher ABV or fizz)

Optional Additions

  • Spices like cinnamon or cloves for festive brews
  • Fruit juice blends: raspberry, pear, elderflower
  • Black tea or tannin powder for traditional scrumpy sharpness

Step-by-Step Home Brew Cider Recipe Instructions

Step 1 – Clean and Sanitise Everything

This cannot be overstated: cleanliness is key. I’ve learned the hard way—most of your brew day is cleaning and sanitising, not brewing. Use Star San or VWP and ensure all surfaces, tools, and bottles are squeaky clean.

Step 2 – Prepare the Juice and Pitch the Yeast

Pour your juice into your fermentation vessel. Add sugar if you want more kick, then sprinkle in the yeast. Pop on the bung and airlock.

Step 3 – Primary Fermentation (5–14 Days)

Store the fermenter in a warm, dark place around 18–22°C. Watch for bubbling and cloudy liquid. On my first cider, I was shocked how active it got within a day. Once bubbling slows, either check your SG (if using a hydrometer) or just wait around 10 days.

Step 4 – Racking and Clearing

To improve clarity and reduce sediment, siphon the cider into a clean vessel. I once skipped this and regretted the gritty bottles. You can also add a Campden tablet here to halt fermentation.

Step 5 – Bottling and Carbonation

If you want a sparkling cider, add 1 tsp of sugar per 500ml bottle. Bottle up and store at room temp for 1–2 weeks to carbonate.

Step 6 – Chill and Enjoy

Transfer bottles to the fridge for conditioning. The taste improves over 2–4 weeks. It’s hard to wait, but the reward is worth it. I’ve found the satisfaction of tasting your own creation is hard to beat.

Tips for Better Home Brew Cider

Use Good Juice

Only buy 100% apple juice without preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate. If you’re unsure, go for brands other brewers trust.

Avoid Overdoing Sugar

More sugar equals more alcohol—but it can create an unbalanced cider. I once got greedy and ended up with something closer to rocket fuel. Stick to the recipe until you’ve got a feel for it.

Keep Notes and Tweak

Every batch teaches you something. Jot down what juice, yeast, and tweaks you used. I started as a wine kit tweaker, and that habit made each brew better.

Beyond Basics: Try These Cider Variations

Fruity Ciders

Add blended juices like pear or elderflower to mix things up. You can even toss in frozen berries during secondary fermentation.

Still vs Sparkling

For a still cider, skip the priming sugar when bottling. If carbonation is your thing, experiment with sugar levels for more or less fizz.

Spiced or Mulled Ciders

During fermentation or just before bottling, you can add spices for a warm, wintry flavour. A cinnamon-ginger blend is my seasonal go-to.

Where to Buy Your Cider Home Brew Kit and Ingredients

For a good cider home brew kit, try UK suppliers like:

Where possible, support your local homebrew shop—they’re full of tips and knowledge.

Conclusion: Your Home Brew Cider Journey Starts Here

You don’t need loads of fancy equipment to brew great cider. This home brew cider recipe is the perfect first step into the world of DIY drinks. Whether you stick to basics or branch out into berry blends, the process is simple, satisfying, and deeply rewarding.

If you enjoyed this, check out our guide to beginners’ home brew kits or explore how to level up your process with temperature control and ingredient choices. Your first brew is just the beginning—cheers!

FAQs – Home Brew Cider Recipe (UK Edition)

Q1: Can I make cider with supermarket apple juice?
Yes! Just make sure it’s preservative-free.

Q2: How strong will my cider be?
Usually 4–6% ABV. Add sugar for a higher alcohol content.

Q3: Do I need a hydrometer?
Not essential for beginners, but helpful.

Q4: How long does home brew cider last?
Properly bottled, it can last 6–12 months.

Q5: Is it legal to brew cider at home in the UK?
Yes, for personal use.

Q6: Can I use bread yeast?
You can, though results vary. Cider yeast is recommended.

Q7: How do I make a sweeter cider?
Stop fermentation early or back-sweeten after bottling.

Q8: What’s the best bottle type?
Swing-top or crown-cap beer bottles are ideal for carbonated cider.

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