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: 

  1. Mix cider and spices in your fermenter.

  2. Add yeast

  3. Ferment for 10–14 days at 60–70°F.

  4. Rack off the sediment and let rest 2 more days.

  5. Bottle with 2 carb drops per bottle and age for 2 weeks.

  6. 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: 

  1. Combine juices in the fermenter and add yeast.

  2. Ferment for 10-14 days at 60–70°F.

  3. Bottle with 2 carb drops per bottle and condition for 2 weeks.

  4. 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: 

  1. Primary Fermentation: Add juice or chopped fruit with your apple juice. The fruit flavor will be subtle since fermentation strips some aromatics.
  2. Secondary Fermentation: Add fruit after primary fermentation to retain more flavor and aroma. 
  3. 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!