The Brew Times
How to Make Hard Cider at Home With Mr. Beer
At Mr. Beer, we're all about making homebrewing easy, fun, and flavorful, and that goes beyond just beer. One of the most common questions we get is: "Can I make hard cider in my Mr. Beer fermenter?" The answer? Absolutely. Your Mr. Beer LBK (Little Brown Keg) is perfect for fermenting a variety of beverages, including crisp, refreshing hard cider. In fact, hard cider is one of the easiest drinks you can make at home. No boiling, no grains, no complicated equipment, just juice, yeast, and a little patience. Whether you're an experienced brewer looking to mix it up or brand new to homebrewing altogether, our brand-new Hard Cider Homebrew Starter Pack makes it easier than ever to get started. This kit includes everything you need to craft 2 gallons of delicious hard cider in just a few weeks—right from your kitchen. What's Included in the Hard Cider Starter Kit? This beginner-friendly hard cider kit comes with all the essentials to create delicious hard cider in just a few weeks: 2-gallon fermenter with lid and spigot 720 mL reusable PET bottle pack Safale S-04 dry ale yeast (ideal for cider fermentation) No-rinse cleanser for quick, safe sanitation Mr. Beer carb drops for perfect carbonation every time 3 foolproof cider recipes: Classic, Spiced, and Fruity Just add preservative-free apple cider, and you're ready to brew! How to Make Hard Cider: Step-by-Step Instructions All you need is your starter kit and 2 gallons of preservative-free apple cider ( store-bought or fresh-pressed): 1. Sanitize all equipment using the included no-rinse cleanser. 2. Add juice to the fermenter up to the fill line. 3. Sprinkle in the yeast 4. Seal and ferment for 10-14 days at 60–70°F. 5. Bottle with 2 carb drops per bottle, seal, and let condition for 2 weeks. 6. Chill, pour, and enjoy your homemade hard cider! Featured Recipes: Take your cider to the next level with these delicious, beginner-friendly recipe variations: Spiced Pear & Ginger Cider A cozy, fall-inspired blend with gentle spice and a hint of ginger heat. Ingredients: 1.5 gal apple cider 0.5 gal pear juice 2' fresh ginger, sliced 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp ground cinnamon Instructions: Mix cider and spices in your fermenter. Add yeast Ferment for 10–14 days at 60–70°F. Rack off the sediment and let rest 2 more days. Bottle with 2 carb drops per bottle and age for 2 weeks. Chill and enjoy! Berry Fusion Cider Fruity, tart, and refreshing—perfect for warm-weather sipping. Ingredients: 1.75 gal apple cider 0.25 gal 100% mixed berry juice (raspberry, blueberry, or cranberry) Instructions: Combine juices in the fermenter and add yeast. Ferment for 10-14 days at 60–70°F. Bottle with 2 carb drops per bottle and condition for 2 weeks. Serve cold and enjoy a fruit-forward twist on cider. Want to Experiment Even More? Cider is incredibly customizable. You can infuse it with spices, fruits, or even hops for a unique, refreshing twist: Add citrus zest or cloves for a winter cider Add hops during or after fermentation for a citrusy, herbal kick. Timing, amount, and soak time will affect aroma—so experiment! When to Add Fruit: Primary Fermentation: Add juice or chopped fruit with your apple juice. The fruit flavor will be subtle since fermentation strips some aromatics. Secondary Fermentation: Add fruit after primary fermentation to retain more flavor and aroma. After Fermentatin (Back Sweetening): Stabilize your cider (with sorbate + sulfite) and add juice or concentrate. This preserves flavor and sweetness, but prevents refermentation. Sweet vs. Dry: Know Your Style Dry Hard Cider: Less sugar, more bite, and typically higher ABV. Sweet/Semi-Sweet Cider: Smoother, fruiter, and easier-drinking. Why Brew Hard Cider at Home? Even easier than beer, no need to mash or boil Ready in just 3-4 weeks Great for all seasons, especially fall and summer Perfect for those who prefer a fruiter, less hoppy beverage Start Brewing Today Ready to try something new? The Mr. Beer Hard Cider Homebrew Starter Pack makes it easy to brew small-batch hard cider from the comfort of your home. Whether you're making it for yourself, gifting it, or want to impress your friends with your DIY drink skills, this kit is the perfect way to start your cider journey. Shop the Hard Cider Starter Pack Now and start brewing your first batch today!
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Celebrate National Homebrew Day: A Toast to the Art of Brewing
May 7 marks a special day for beer lovers everywhere—National Homebrew Day! First declared by the U.S Congress in 1988, National Homebrew Day honors the creativity, passion, and community spirit that define the homebrewing world. Each year, thousands of brewers, from seasoned experts to first-time hobbyists, come together to celebrate the craft that brings people and pints closer together. To amplify the festivities, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) created Big Brew, an annual event held on the first Saturday in May. In 2025, Big Brew fell on May 3, and it promises to be a day filled with brewing, learning, and raising a glass in unison across the globe. What Is National Homebrew Day? A Celebration of Craft and Community National Homebrew Day isn't just about brewing beer—it's about celebrating a movement. Homebrewing has grown far beyond a backyard curiosity; today, an estimated 1.2 million Americans are part of the vibrant homebrew community. For many, it's a way to experiment, share, and take pride in crafting something truly personal. Big Brew is the perfect extension of this spirit. Each year, homebrewers everywhere synchronize their efforts, participate in live brewing sessions, and swap tips and stories. At noon local time, participants pause to raise a glass together, symbolizing a worldwide toast to the craft we all cherish. 2025's Official Big Brew Recipe: Big Blimp! Barleywine This year's featured recipe for Big Brew is the award-winning Big Blip! Barleywine by Donna and Larry Reuter, two celebrated names in homebrewing. A bold, hoppy, high-gravity ale, this recipe captured gold at both the 2019 and 2023 National Homebrew Competition Final Rounds. It's a brew that exemplifies the creativity and quality celebrated on National Homebrew Day. At Mr. Beer, we're excited to join the celebration with Big Blimpin, our own take on this iconic barleywine. Big Blimpin' brings rich complexity and bold character to your brew day—whether you're brewing solo, hosting a brew party, or joining a local club event. Read more about our big brew-along on The Brew Times. Why Homebrewing Is the Ultimate Hobby—And Why Mr.Beer Is the Perfect Place to Start If you've ever thought about trying your hand at homebrewing but felt intimidated by the equipment, let's clear up a common myth: you can get a complete kit for around $45, and it'll have everything you need to brew your first batch. It's an easy, low-risk way to dip your toes into the hobby. At Mr. Beer, we specialize in helping new brewers succeed. Our kits are designed for simplicity and quality, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned brewers alike. Here's why you should pick up a kit and start on the ultimate hobby: 1.) It's Easy to Get Started If you can follow instructions, keep things clean, and treat your yeast well, you can make beer that rivals (or even surpasses) the bottles lining your local shop. It's not rocket science—it’s brew science—and you don’t even need to know the science part to make great beer. 2.) You'll Appreciate Beer More Homebrewing transforms how you see and taste beer. You'll move beyond labeling beers as just "light" or "dark" and start recognizing the difference between ales and lagers, understanding flavor profiles, and detecting what makes a beer truly exceptional, or what causes an off taste. 3.) It Fits Your Schedule Brewing a batch doesn't require endless hours. Basic extract brewing takes only a few hours to spread out over several weeks, and even all-grain brewing only adds a few more. It's the perfect hobby for busy people who want a big reward without a huge time investment. 4.) You Control the Creativity Homebrewing puts you in charge. Clone your favorite commercial beers. Add cherries to an IPA. Brew a historic recipe you found online. Test out ingredients that you'll never find on store shelves. If you can dream it, you can brew it. With our curated Recipe Kits, you get the perfect starting point—whether you're recreating a classic or crafting something totally your own 5.) It's Affordable and Accessible No need for fancy gadgets, brewing beer is a simple and affordable way to try something new without making a big commitment. With Mr. Beer by your side, starting your homebrew journey has never been easier or more rewarding. So why not make 2025 the year you finally take the plunge? How to Celebrate National Homebrew Day 2025 As National Homebrew Day approaches, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of homebrewing or take your craft to new heights. On May 3, 2025, and again on the official day of May 7, let's honor the tradition, the community, and the creativity that make homebrewing so special. Raise a glass, brew a batch, and be part of the story. Cheers to National Homebrew Day!
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