Adding to Cider

[BobbyC14]

So first time doing Cider. Using Wyeast Cider in one batch and White labs English Cider in another Which both fermented in a week to FG. I want 5 gallons to be “apple pie” I have Whole cinnamon and nutmeg ready to go but curious as to how To add to the batch. Then another 5 gallons split in two adding pre made McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice and then another I plan on a Citra and Cascade Blend.

suggestion on how to add?
Also Malic Acid? Yes or no or just backsweeten with concentrate

 

[CKuhns]

Use whole spices.

If not an option then consider something like a tea bag and just drop it in. Fishing them / it out when your desired flavors are achieved.

Ground spices stay in suspension for a very long time and are almost impossible to get out of a liquid and will continue to give up flavor over a very long period of time.

I add acid when needed as I prefer a dry cider vs. sweet. (Either will work, just my preference)

 

[NitrogenWidget]

Just made some cider with some spices.
I tried the mccormick pumpkin pi spice boiled in some water and added to apple cider and it really didn't mix well.
just settled on the bottom.

So I got some whole nutmeg, some whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
I added: 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 crushed clove, 1/2 tsp of course ground nutmeg from the coffee grinder to 2 cup of boiling water.
boiled for 10 mins which got me 1 cup of tea.
yanked the cinnamon and poured the rest into my french press to filter out chunky bits.

then I grabbed a cup of my hard cider post sweetened with 3 cans of frozen apple concentrate.
and added half a teaspoon of my tea to it.
tasted good with a hint of apple pie. sure smelled like it.
so because everything ratios out to me adding 1 cup of tea to the keg I did that.
Going to give it some time to mix.
it didn't seem like a strong flavor from the tap, but i'd rather err on the side of caution and slowly add more.
I felt the same way with a spiced winter ale and what seemed to be good after adding spice to the keg turned into a throat burning, cough inducing mess a day later.
I assume because it hadn't mixed properly.

I was just guessing on the amounts of spices BTW because i've never used them before.

 

[Ghost1128]

How did it turn out? I am making an apple pie cider and cant decide how many cinnamon sticks to add. Sitting at 5 sticks for the 5 gal batch right now but curious to know.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I made a couple syrups instead of trying to steep the cider itself. Several different ones with ginger in one, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and allspice in another. Recipe is a pint of water, 1 cup sugar and a tablespoon of your favorite ground up or crushed spice. Combine all the ingredients in a small pot and boil for 5 minutes.Cover the pot and let steep for another 10. Pout it through a fine strainer into a jar. I use a canning jar. Store after cooling in the fridge. Lasts quite a while. This recipe came from Drew Beechum's Everything Hard Cider book.