Elderberries, those little jewels of nature, don’t just make a fantastic holiday beverage but also pack a health powerhouse punch in every sip. Let’s embark on a gastronomical journey, where we highlight the unique flavors and health benefits of an elderberry hard cider recipe that’ll surely take your love for ciders to a new level.
Ingredients List
Your shopping list for this recipe is relatively straightforward and easy to find in most grocery stores:
- 5 lbs of fresh elderberries
- 1 gallon of organic apple cider
- 1.5 lbs of white sugar
- 1 packet of cider yeast
- 1 cinnamon stick
Can’t find fresh elderberries? Frozen elderberries are perfectly acceptable to use as a substitute. For those sugar-shy folks, you can use a sugar alternative like stevia or xylitol.
Instructions
- Begin by washing the elderberries thoroughly under cold running water. Pick out any leaves or stems that might have been caught in the mix.
- Combine the elderberries and the apple cider in a large pot on medium heat. Let this mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves. Pop in the cinnamon stick for that extra flavor punch.
- Let the mixture cool down before adding in the cider yeast. Remember, heat and yeast are like fire and water; they don’t mix!
- Once the yeast is mixed in, transfer the liquid to a fermentation vessel and let it ferment for about a week.
- After a week, strain the mixture and pour it into sterilized bottles. Be patient and allow it to condition for two weeks in a cool, dark place before opening.
Cooking Time & Servings
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and one week (plus an additional two weeks conditioning) to ferment, giving you a total time of about three weeks. The recipe yields around eight bottles of tirelessly tantalizing hard elderberry cider.
Nutritional Information
Our elderberry hard cider recipe isn’t just a cozy treat; it’s also a substantial contributor to your overall wellness. Filled with antioxidants, vitamins A, B and C, Elderberries aid in strengthening the immune system. This means sipping on our elderberry hard cider is more than just a sweet indulgence; it’s a health booster in a bottle!
| Per Serving | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bottle | 150 | 0g | 30g | 0g |
Tips and Tricks
Want to add more depth of flavor to your elderberry hard cider? Feel free to add in seasonal spices like nutmeg or clove. For vegans, you can try using vegan-friendly options for yeast. If you’re in a hurry, there are rapid fermentation yeasts available that’ll cut your fermentation time in half!
Finally, as this dish comes together, it serves as a testament to…
The simplicity and the wholesome nature of elderberries. So dwell not on tomorrow’s troubles but instead, grab a friend, pour a glass of elderberry hard cider, and toast to good health and good times!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Although cider yeast is recommended, you can also use champagne yeast or even bread yeast.Can I use other types of sugar?
Sure! Brown sugar or even honey can give your cider a completely different flavor profile.Can I use concentrated juice instead of cider?
Yes, although it might slightly affect the end result. The taste might be different, and the alcohol content might be slightly higher.What if I don’t have fresh elderberries?
Frozen elderberries are a perfectly acceptable substitute. They’re often just as healthy and flavorful as the fresh ones. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.How long will the cider last once bottled?
If properly stored in a cool, dark place, the cider could last up to a year or so. However, it’s recommended to consume it within six months for the best quality and flavor.
