How To Make Hard Apple Cider | Part 1: Easiest DIY Cider Press

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds a unique flavor while brown sugar is more economical.

yeast

💰Cheaper: bread yeast

Bread yeast is more accessible and works in fermentation.

hops

💰Cheaper: bittering agents

Bittering agents can provide similar flavors at a lower cost.

spices

💰Cheaper: cinnamon

Cinnamon is a common spice that adds flavor without high costs.

Go to the store to get supplies for apple pressing.

Pick ripe apples from backyard trees for making apple cider.

Gather supplies including two by fours, a four by four cut, and hardware for building the apple press.

Use a skill saw to make cuts for the apple press.

Measure and secure the structure with a drill and drill bits.

Construct a six-gallon food grade tub with 5/8 holes drilled in it to allow juice to seep out.

Use elastic top strainers (paint screeners) to keep pulp out while allowing juice to flow.

Add two by fours to expand the depth of the apple press for balance.

Attach a jack to press the apples down into the tub for juice extraction.

Use a garbage disposal to crush the apples, with a stainless steel mixing bowl to collect crushed apples.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary