Changing flavors

[Philmycup]

I’ve made 2 batches of cider now, one plain Jane nothing added, and one w/ sugar added. Both batches were made w/ store bought juice. The 2nd batch was good but needs something extra or that wow factor. Any recommendations for making cider taste like a good store bought one? I would like to add different flavors but not sweeten it too much.

 

[bucketnative]

What makes a good cider? Mostly, the blend of apples used in the must (juice). I have found that adding even just a cup of crab apple juice to a 2 gallon batch of store bought cider can do a lot for the finished cider. The crab apples primarily add tannins, so you could add some tannins via powder or black tea if you can't get crab apple juice.

Additionally you could try blending different store bought juices (perhaps a bit green apple for more tartness).

I have also found that cider from a cider mill will generally (though, not always) produce a better result than juice from the super market.

 

[Philmycup]

What makes a good cider? Mostly, the blend of apples used in the must (juice). I have found that adding even just a cup of crab apple juice to a 2 gallon batch of store bought cider can do a lot for the finished cider. The crab apples primarily add tannins, so you could add some tannins via powder or black tea if you can't get crab apple juice.

Additionally you could try blending different store bought juices (perhaps a bit green apple for more tartness).

I have also found that cider from a cider mill will generally (though, not always) produce a better result than juice from the super market.

Thank you, I also read that you can add some vanilla bean to add a flavor w/o sweeting too much

 

[devilssoninlaw]

I've added Pear Juice with great results. The sweetness of the Pear off set the bitterness of the Apples very well, it was not overly sweet like many commercial ciders.

 

[Blacksmith1]

For me a bit of tannin, a touch of lemon juice, and a light back sweetening works wonders,

 

[bracconiere]

i've noticed the boston beer, ciders like angry orchard taste more like jolly ranchers, and say "added flavors" on the label....."Hard Core" was always my favorite....