Low OG cider?

[ahowardmd]

I purchased a Brewers Best cider kit from the LHBS over the weekend, which will be my first attempt at a cider. I followed the directions for the most part, but was half watching the Oscars and not paying enough attention, and instead of "topping up to 6 gallons", I added 5 gallons of cold water to my carboy before adding my boiled corn sugar water (2 pounds of corn sugar in 1 gallon of water), and the apple cider extract from the kit. So I'd calculate I probably ended up with an extra 1/2 - 1 gallon of water in the carboy. My OG came in at 1.032, which I'm pretty sure will give me a very low ABV after fermentation ceases. I'm wondering if I should add 2-3 pounds of corn sugar to increase the OG...or if I should just call this a "light cider", and feel less guilty about drinking my calories? What would a more experienced cider maker do in this situation?

 

[ThomasPaine]

I would add sugar because I like a buzz. But you will be happy with the results if left alone as long as you like light cider. If you add sugar use a calculator. Don't just dump a couple pounds and hope for the best.

 

[Maylar]

I would add frozen apple juice concentrate, 1/2 a can at a time, until the OG is up to 1.045-1.050. Adding sugar won't bring back the apple flavor of your diluted wort.

 

[ThomasPaine]

Yes right. Corn sugar will certainly dry it out and give it less flavor. I haven't looked at sugar content of those cans. Your volume raises with each can. Plus watch preservatives.

 

[ABrophy]

I would add frozen apple juice concentrate, 1/2 a can at a time, until the OG is up to 1.045-1.050. Adding sugar won't bring back the apple flavor of your diluted wort.

I would have to agree I made a batch adding sugar and my ABV ended up really high and the cider was very dry. Just got done with a batch and added a few cans of apple juice concentrate to bring up my OG and it turned out great. Each 12oz can brought my OK up by around .002