Champagne Yeast Cider: How to Make the Perfect Fizzy Drink at Home
Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from apple juice. It is a popular drink during the fall and winter seasons, and is especially enjoyed during Thanksgiving and Christmas. While there are many types of cider, one of the most interesting and unique varieties is champagne yeast cider. In this post, we will explore how to create the perfect, fizzy champagne yeast cider at home!
What is Champagne Yeast?
Before we go any further, let’s talk about champagne yeast. Champagne yeast is a type of yeast that is commonly used in the production of champagne and other sparkling wines. It is known for creating bubbles and carbonation, producing a distinct champagne-like flavor. Champagne yeast is known to be highly resilient, and can withstand high levels of alcohol and sugar concentrations.
Why Use Champagne Yeast?
So, why use champagne yeast in your cider? The answer is simple: champagne yeast will give your cider a unique and effervescent flavor that cannot be achieved with other types of yeast. Additionally, it will create a fizzy, carbonated drink that is perfect for celebrations, gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients Needed
To make a batch of champagne yeast cider, you will need the following ingredients:
– Fresh apple juice
– Champagne yeast
– Sugar
– Glass bottles with swing-top lids
The Process
Making champagne yeast cider is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by heating your apple juice on medium heat in a large pot. You want to heat the juice to around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Once the juice has reached the appropriate temperature, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a sterilized, food-grade plastic or glass fermenting vessel.
3. Once the juice is in the fermenting vessel, add in your champagne yeast. The amount of yeast needed will vary depending on the size of your batch of cider, so be sure to check the instructions on your yeast packet.
4. Next, add in the sugar. You will want to add around one cup of sugar per gallon of cider. This will not only give your cider a slightly sweet flavor, but will also provide the yeast with a food source.
5. After you have added in your yeast and sugar, give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Seal the fermenting vessel with an airlock and let the cider ferment at room temperature for around 7-10 days. During this time, the yeast will metabolize the sugar, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
7. After the fermentation process is complete, transfer the cider to a clean, sterilized glass bottle with a swing-top lid.
8. Store the cider in a cool, dark place for around a week. During this time, the yeast will continue to produce carbon dioxide, creating a fizzy, effervescent drink.
Tips for Success
While making champagne yeast cider is a simple process, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Use high-quality, fresh apple juice. The flavor of your cider will be directly dependent on the quality of the juice you use.
- Sterilize all of your equipment. This is important for preventing contamination and off-flavors in the final product.
- Don’t rush the fermentation process. Letting the yeast do its job for the full amount of time will ensure a consistent flavor and carbonation level.
- Store your cider in glass bottles with swing-top lids to ensure proper carbonation.
- Experiment with different types of sugars to achieve different flavor profiles in your cider.
Conclusion
Champagne yeast cider is a unique and flavorful drink that can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients. By following the steps outlined in this article and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a fizzy, effervescent drink that is perfect for celebrations, gatherings and special occasions. So, next time you’re in the mood for a special drink, skip the store-bought cider and give champagne yeast cider a try!