Discover the magic of homemade fermented apple cider! Our delicious, non alcoholic apple cider drinks recipe is bursting with flavor. Try it now!
For centuries, we have cherished non alcoholic apple cider drinks as a delicious choice that provides a refreshing change from the usual beers and spirits.
That’s where non-alcoholic apple cider steps in, offering that same crisp taste without the aftermath of a hangover. Let’s explore what non-alcoholic cider is precisely and learn the process behind its creation.
Hard Cider vs. Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Drinks
Apple cider starts as regular apple juice with just a splash of fermented liquid, aka “starter liquid.” Leave it in a warm spot for around 12 hours, and you’ve got yourself a slightly fizzy fermented apple drink that is an absolute delight.
Now, when we talk about non-alcoholic apple cider, we are talking about a beverage that is mainly apple juice, much like its alcoholic counterpart. The difference lies in the fermentation process, where either there is no fermentation at all or any alcohol produced is meticulously removed.
What you’re left with is a drink that’s bursting with a delightful apple flavor that is perfect for everyone, including those steering clear of alcohol.
Apple ciders set the stage for heartwarming toasts during festive get-togethers. This recipe for non-alcoholic apple cider is not only all-organic but also easy on the wallet. And the best part? You can whip it up in your own kitchen.
Equipment Needed
- Glass bottle with lid (big enough to hold a gallon)
- Jar grabber (to grab those hot jars with)
- Lid lifter (to lift those lids off)
- Jar funnel (for filling those jars)
- A big pot—at least 8 quarts or even bigger
- Spoons and ladles
- Canning jars, aka Mason jars
- A basic sieve
- Colander for straining
- Filters (if you prefer your drink filtered)
- Jelly bags (for those extra-fine strains)
- Cheesecloth
- Measuring cup
- Water bath canner
For more info on each item, check out our Alcohol-Free Brewing Equipment List.
Ingredients Needed
- Apples or apple juice
- Wine or apple cider yeast
Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Drinks: The Fermentation Process
Pick out the perfect apples
You want apples packed with sweetness, so you won’t have to toss in extra sugar. It’s totally fine to snag “overripe” ones; just be sure to chop off any bruises. If you can, go for naturally sweet apples and mix them up; variety is key here. Give your apples a good wash, then chop them up.
Cook the apples
Pour about 4 inches of water into a big pot. Put the lid on, set the heat to medium, and let it gently simmer until those apples are as soft as can be all the way through.
Strain out the cooked apples
If you’re aiming for a filtered, non-alcoholic apple cider drink, simply line your sieve or colander with a few layers of cheesecloth and let the juice drip. It might take about an hour, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Prepare your yeast starter
The day before you plan to brew your apple cider, kick things off by making a yeast starter. This gets your cider fermenting right away. First, grab a clean, sanitized bottle of your boiled apple juice and pour in a yeast packet. Seal it tight, give it a good shake, and allow it settle at room temperature between 18°C and 20°C.
Carbonation and Bottling
Pour in the apple cider and yeast starter into the fermentation bucket
Once your cider is nearly at room temperature, toss in your yeast starter. Give it a good stir using a sanitized spoon or ladle, and seal the lid tightly. Find a spot for your bucket where the temperature hangs around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and away from any light, sunbeams, or drafts.
Bottling the cider
Pour your apple cider into a big pot. No need for extra sugar here; the apples will bring all the sweetness into your non-alcoholic apple cider drinks. Bring it to a gentle simmer and keep it warm until you have enough to fill up your jars.
Tips for Limiting the Alcohol Level in Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Drinks
Ciders start as a juice that naturally has some sugar in it. During fermentation, that sugar transforms into alcohol. Now comes the tricky part: controlling the final ABV of the final product.
Here are a few of the tricks we’ve got up our sleeves, which involves heating to dealcoholize the cider:
- Grab a pot from your kitchen and pour the cider in.
- Then, turn the heat to medium-low. You’ll want to keep an eye on the temperature, though, aiming for around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once you hit that mark, allow your cider to simmer at 140 degrees for about 45 minutes.
- When done, let it cool down. You can maybe throw a cover on it to keep any curious kitchen bacteria and smell out.
However, along with the alcohol, your apple cider’s flavors might get removed, too. No worries, though; its taste can effortlessly be added back in with a little pasteurized apple juice to keep your apple cider drink non-alcoholic tasting just like it should.
Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Drinks Are More Than Just Sparklers
Non-alcoholic apple cider brings together a mix of old-school charm and new-age ingenuity that speaks to everyone. Whether you are sticking to your all-time favorites or trying out some modern techniques to lower its alcohol content, the result is always the same – a refreshing adaptable drink that can be enjoyed by all.
