By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 9, 2023 | Last Updated on November 24, 2023
Cyser mead can be a better choice for you if you love sweet alcoholic drinks with a twist of Apple. It has been popular since ancient times and is still enjoyed worldwide today as an alternative to beer, wine, and other spirits.
Apple Cyser mead is usually served chilled or over ice with food but can also be enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or aperitif. It is often compared to cider or hard apple juice due to its sweet and tart flavor but with a higher alcohol content than either of these beverages.
In this article, we will discuss how to make Apple Cyser mead from scratch. We will look at all the necessary ingredients and equipment you need and how to prepare them. By the end of this guide, you will have a delicious batch of homemade Apple Cyser mead ready to enjoy!
What Is Apple cyser mead?
Apple cyser mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey, apple juice, and yeast. The drink has been enjoyed since ancient times, but it has recently become popular as a “craft” beverage.
It is sometimes referred to as a “honey wine” due to its sweet flavor and high alcohol content, but it can also be enjoyed for its unique flavor profile. It is traditionally made in the same process as other fermented beverages like beer or wine, using fermentation to convert the sugars in honey and apple juice into alcohol.
The process takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, during which the yeast breaks down the sugar content in honey and apple juice, creating a delightful drink with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 12-15%.
Where Did I First Try Apple cyser mead?
I first tried Apple cyser mead at a local pub in my hometown. I had heard about it from a friend and was looking forward to trying something new. When I tasted it, I was pleasantly surprised by its sweet yet tart taste, which reminded me of apple cider but with an added kick of alcohol. It wasn’t overly sweet and had a nice balance of flavors.
Since then, I have tried many different variations on the classic Apple cyser mead recipe, such as adding ginger or other spices to give it more depth and complexity. I’ve also experimented with different types of apple juice and mixed in some cider for added sweetness.
Regardless of the recipe variations, I have always enjoyed Apple cyser mead and it remains one of my favorite drinks for special occasions.
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Ingredients For apple mead recipe
- Basic Starter Kit: This starter kit is designed to give you all the necessary ingredients needed to make Apple cyser mead. It includes dry yeast, nutrients, energizer, apple juice concentrate, and preservatives.
- Honey: This is the main source of sugar for fermentation. It will give your beverage a nice sweetness and also add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Apple cider: This will provide the tartness and acidity needed for balance. The type of apple juice you choose can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the finished product.
- Yeast: This is a key ingredient in making Apple cyser mead, as it will start the fermentation process and also add its own unique flavors to the beverage.
Instructions for apple cider mead
Step 1
Bring the honey and apple cider to a simmer on the stove, stirring continuously until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool until it reaches a temperature of 90°F — any hotter may cause the yeast to die! Once cooled, add your wine yeast or beer bag, then give everything a good shake for around 30 seconds.
Step 2
Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a clean glass gallon carboy and attach the airlock. Place the stopper into the top of the bottle’s neck and fill up the airlock with water. The fermentation process will start within 24 to 48 hours – you’ll know when it’s done as bubbling in the airlock slows down significantly. On average, the fermentation process should take around 7 days; however, it could last up to two weeks.
Step 3
You can taste-test it for sweetness to check if the cyser is ready. Keep fermentation going until you reach your desired level of dryness and alcohol content. Put your fermenting mead in a warm, dark place to get the best results.
Step 4
Once the bubbling has slowed down significantly, it’s time to get rid of the lees (the sediment that has settled at the bottom of your carboy) and prepare your cyser for consumption! To ensure no yeasty particles are in our drink, we will use cold to force any remaining particles to the bottom of our container. Place the cyser in the refrigerator for at least two days and watch as the cold pushes any last yeasty bits down to the bottom.
Step 5
Once this is done, we can filter (or ‘rack’) our mead by pouring it out of the lees and into another container. To ensure no off-flavors in our cyser, we can also use a clarifying agent that binds to small particles and makes the mead sparkling clear. Every Brewsy kit has a clarifying agent to ensure your wine is perfect!
Tips For apple juice mead
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to make an apple cinnamon mead recipe for added flavor complexity.
- To add sweetness, try adding a bit of sugar syrup or honey after fermentation.
- To ensure the best possible results, use a hydrometer to measure the alcohol content of your Apple Cyser mead before bottling.
- If you want a clear beverage, filter your mead through a fine mesh filter before bottling.
- For added carbonation, add priming sugar to the bottles before corking and then store them at room temperature for several weeks until the desired level of carbonation is achieved.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
If you don’t have access to the ingredients mentioned above, there are some alternatives that can work. Instead of honey, you can use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or molasses.
For apple juice concentrate, you can substitute it with freshly pressed apple cider. Lastly, you could opt for a different type of yeast, such as champagne yeast, which will give your Apple cyser mead a dry and crisp flavor.
Apple Cyser Mead Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Gallon Jug
Ingredients
- Yeast a crucial ingredient responsible for the fermentation process, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, adding complexity and character to the beverage, and determining its final flavor and aroma.
- 2 to 4 cups of honey a natural and sweet ingredient that serves as the primary source of fermentable sugars, adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the final product, and acting as food for the yeast during fermentation.
- 2 Basic Starter Kits providing all the necessary equipment and ingredients to begin the fermentation process, including vessels, airlocks, and instructions, ensuring a successful and convenient brewing experience.
- 2 gallons of apple cider a flavorful and refreshing beverage made from pressed apples, providing the base liquid for the fermentation process, imparting fruity and tart notes, and contributing to the overall taste profile of the finished product.
Instructions
- Bring the honey and apple cider to a simmer on the stove, stirring continuously until the honey is fully dissolved. Allow it to cool until it reaches a temperature of 90°F — any hotter may cause the yeast to die! Once cooled, add your wine yeast or beer bag, then give everything a good shake for around 30 seconds.
- Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a clean glass gallon carboy and attach the airlock. Place the stopper into the top of the bottle's neck and fill up the airlock with water. The fermentation process will start within 24 to 48 hours – you'll know when it's done as bubbling in the airlock slows down significantly. On average, the fermentation process should take around 7 days; however, it could last up to two weeks.
- To check if the cyser is ready, you can taste-test it for sweetness. Keep fermentation going until you reach your desired level of dryness and alcohol content. Put your fermenting mead in a warm and dark place to get the best results.
- Once the bubbling has slowed down significantly, it's time to get rid of the lees (the sediment that has settled at the bottom of your carboy) and prepare your cyser for consumption! To ensure there are no yeasty particles in our drink, we will use cold to force any remaining particles to the bottom of our container. Place the cyser in the refrigerator for a minimum of two days and watch as the cold pushes any last yeasty bits down to the bottom.
- Once this is done, we can filter (or 'rack') our mead by pouring it out of the lees and into another container. To make sure there are no off-flavors in our cyser, we can also use a clarifying agent that binds to small particles and makes the mead sparkling clear. Every Brewsy kit comes with a clarifying agent to make sure your wine is perfect!
Notes
- For added flavor complexity, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your recipe.
- To add sweetness, try adding a bit of sugar syrup or honey after fermentation is complete.
- To ensure the best possible results, use a hydrometer to measure the alcohol content of your Apple Cyser mead before bottling.
- If you want a clear beverage, filter your mead through a fine mesh filter before bottling.
- For added carbonation, add priming sugar to the bottles before corking and then store them at room temperature for several weeks until the desired level of carbonation is achieved.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Alcohol: 12-15% ABV (alcohol by volume)
is mead served cold?
Yes, mead is typically served chilled. However, if you prefer a warmer beverage, you can also serve it at room temperature. Just store your mead in the refrigerator for optimal taste and shelf life.
How to Store Apple Cyser Mead?
Apple cyser mead should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. If properly sealed and stored, it can last up to 1 year without significant changes in flavor or aroma.
Storing the mead upright rather than on its side is also recommended, as this will help prevent sediment from forming in the bottle.
For a longer shelf life, consider pasteurizing the mead before bottling it. This will help to prevent any spoilage from occurring due to bacteria or wild yeast. Finally, make sure to store your mead bottles away from any strong odors, as this can affect the taste and aroma of the beverage
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
No, it is not recommended for pregnant women to consume Apple Cyser mead due to the alcohol content. The amount of alcohol can vary depending on the recipe used and it is typically around 12 to 15% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid drinking this beverage. If you decide to consume Apple cyser mead, please do so responsibly and in moderation.
How can I make my Apple Cyser mead sweeter?
One of the easiest ways to make your Apple Cyser mead sweeter is to add a bit of sugar syrup or honey after fermentation. Alternatively, you can also use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or molasses.
Can I carbonate my Apple Cyser mead?
Yes, you can carbonate your Apple Cyser mead with priming sugar before bottling it. Simply add the appropriate amount of priming sugar to the bottles and store them at room temperature for several weeks until the desired level of carbonation is achieved.
Is mead gluten free?
Yes, Apple Cyser Mead is a gluten-free beverage. It is made with honey and apple cider, both of which do not contain any gluten. Therefore, it can be enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet without any worries!
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Apple Cyser Mead! This delicious and unique beverage is a great way to experiment with fermentation and create something truly special.
Remember to use quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully for the best results. With a few simple steps, you can craft a flavorful cyser that will leave you wanting more!
We hope this guide has provided helpful information about Apple Cyser mead and how to make it. Also, share this recipe with your friends and family and let them enjoy this delicious beverage too!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
