Mankind's Simplest Brew

Classification: cider, hard cider

Source: pstanley@pixi.com, r.c.b., August 8, 1995

This makes a light apple cider/wine (3% by volume), but it is crisp and delicious when well chilled. For more kick, go to a recipe which adds honey and brown sugar to the juice (1/2 pound each to a gallon of juice).

Ingredients:

1 gallon jug of commercial apple juice (not "apple cider", it seems to have less sugar)
1/2 packet of Cote de Baum yeast (Champagne yeast eats too much of the natural sugars, leaves a tart product)

Procedure:

1. Reserve 1 cup of juice (put back after fermenting)
2. Add yeast and shake (pitch)
3. Airlock and leave at room temperature
4. Fermentation will last 2 to 3 days in warm weather
5. Put in frig for 1 or two days
6. Rack and prime bottles with 1 teaspoon of sugar or corn syrup
7. Drink or lay it down

Specifics:

Alcohol: 3% abv