I have been making hard cider for years and this one is not only new, but the best thing I have ever created. I was brewing up my Apple Pie (theres another thread for it) and this idea came on like a light bulb. This stuff is strong, but it doesn't taste that way. It is sweet and full of apple flavor but don't let it fool you. Everclear is some strong stuff but when it's used in this recipe it is not like drinking it from the bottle. You won't taste it and it won't instantly get you drunk. A few cups though and you will feel really good. It's easy to prepare and if anyone gives it a try please let me know I am dying to hear what you think. I have had about 8 people try it (two don't like cider) and it's been a big hit.
Ingredients:
1 Gallon Apple Cider (farm fresh is fine since it will be boiled)
1/2 Gallon of Apple Juice
8 cinnamon sticks
1tsp of Nutmeg (whatever spoon it is, the regular one not the big one)
1cup dark brown sugar (dark is key here for taste)
750ml bottle of Everclear
6-8 large mason jars or you can use the juice containers you started with.
Note: Every step requires a lid on the pot. You will loose a lot of flavor by not covering the pot.
In a large pot pour in the full gallon of cider and the full 1/2 gallon of juice. Bring to a boil.
Once the juices are at a full boil, drop in all 8 cinnamon sticks, the nutmeg, and the brown sugar.
Continue to boil for 30 minutes, then lower to a simmer.
Allow to simmer for a full two hours, stirring it every once in a while to keep the sticks from sticking to the bottom.
----Do not skip this step----
Remove from heat and leave it sit covered for at least four hours. I left it for a full 12 hours when I went to bed. You need at least four, this is concentrating the flavors
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Ok so now the hours have passed, lets continue. Move the pot back on the stove, and bring it back to a simmer. Give it a good stir and leave it simmer another two hours, same thing as before stir it once in a while.
Ok we are almost done, remove from heat, take the lid off and let it cool down. Takes about an hour usually to reach room temp. Once it does, dump in the entire bottle of everclear and stir it for a good couple of minutes.
Let it sit a few hours until it is good and cool, then stir it up again and put it into the containers.
All done! throw it in the fridge. I suggest you don't drink it for 24 hours, in the beginning the everclear taste is noticeable but after a day in the fridge you won't even smell it let alone really taste it.
