Cider & Beer

Do I need to add the sweetener sachet to my cider?

What should my SG be? Does it matter if my cider or beer does not have an exact reading, but the SG reading has been stable for two days?

What happens when I have made my first batch?

I already have my own fermenter, can I use that?

Can I use any bottle size?

Why do I need to use a specific amount of carbonation drops or sugar to my bottles?

Can I make the cider and beer non-alcoholic?

My bottle brush is flattened, how can I fix it?

Do I need to add the sweetener sachet to my cider?

Cider Style Guide

- Dry: do not add the sweetener sachet

- Off Dry: add half the sweetener sachet

- Sweet: add the full sweetener sachet

What should my SG be? Does it matter if my cider or beer does not have an exact reading of 1.002, but the SG reading has been stable for two days?

No this is fine, this is just an approximate measurement. The most important part is that the SG is stable for two days.
For an indication of the SG you are aiming for see below:

Spiced Apple 1.002 +/- 2
Apple 1.002 +/- 2
Strawberry & Pear 1.006 +/- 2
Pear 1.002 +/- 6
Ginger Beer 1.004 +/- 2
Elderflower Ale 1.006 +/- 2

What do I need to make cider?

All you need is the Mad Millie cider starter kit, water from your tap and a kettle to boil water to make your first batch of 12 x 750ml fruit ciders.

Is it easy?

It’s incredibly straightforward with no previous experience required (see our 5 minute youtube video for easy instruction).

How long does it take?

The cider needs 1 week in the fermenter, and 2 weeks in the bottles to mature before drinking.

How long does the cider last?

The cider is recommended to be consumed within 6 months, if stored in a cool dark place.

Can the sweetness be changed?

Using only part of the sweetener sachet (or non at all), will give a drier cider

What happens when I have made my first batch?
A “next batch” kit in varying flavours can be purchased to make your next batch of 12 x 750ml bottles of cider, using the equipment from you cider starter kit.

Is the Cider Gluten Free?
Yes, all our ciders are currently gluten free, but if we do bring out a cider that does contain gluten this will be carefully labelled on the allergen list on the back of the product. We highly recommend to refer to this to ensure you are not affected.

Can I use my own fruit?

The cider kit contains a natural fruit concentrate which has been cold packed to retain all flavours and aromas. While it is possible to use your own pressed fruit with the equipment in the cider starter kit, the recipe in this kit is tailored to the provided fruit concentrate. Using your own fruit will give you different flavour results, and requires different fermenting times. There is also a risk of contamination when using your own fresh fruit, so we would recommend you pasteurise your juice before fermentation.

I already have my own fermenter can I use that?
Having to much free oxygen in the top of your fermenter, means flavour compounds can undergo oxidation and produce off flavours. You should therefore ensure that enough Next Batch Kits are used to fill the fermenter, leaving a head space of approx. 7.5-10cm

Can I use any bottle size?

You can use any bottle size, however this will change the amount of carbonation drops or sugar that is needed per bottle. It is therefore best to stick with the recommended 2 x Mad Millie carbonation drops or the 0.75 scoop on the 3 way sugar measurer per 750ml bottle, to avoid any challenges with over or under carbonating your cider.

Why do I need to use a specific amount of carbonation drops or sugar to my bottles?
It is important to only use a certain amount of sugar or carbonations drops for your cider, beer or ginger beer. If you use too much you may cause your bottles to explode. If you use too little you may end up with a flat beverage.

Can I make the cider or beer non-alcoholic?

No unfortunately cider or beer cannot be made non-alcoholic, our cider kit will produce alcohol. However the Old Fashioned Ginger Beer Kit includes a non alcoholic recipe. Please note though it may contain alcohol up to 0.5% but is legally declared as alcohol free.

My bottle brush is flattened, how can I fix it?

Bottle brushes take their original shape when immersed in hot water, there is no need to reshape by hand.