How to Make Apple Cider Without a Press

Apple cider is a great beverage for all seasons. It can be warm in the fall and winter and cold in the spring and summer. It is simple for you to create from scratch without a press, and can be made in large batches for parties or your family.

Things You'll Need

• Apples that you choose
• Cheesecloth
• Airtight container
• Freezer
• Blender or food processor
• Large bowl
• Sink with soap and lukewarm water

Instructions

1. Choose large, sweet, fresh apples to begin making your apple cider. Red Delicious, Gala and Jonathon apples are perfect for making cider. Clean them thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Cut the apples into chunks, keeping the skins on (this provides more nutrients). Place all of the apple chunks in a food processor or blender. If you are making a large amount of apple cider, do this in batches. Puree the apple chunks until smooth.

3. Get a large bowl. Pour the batches of pureed apples through a cheesecloth, squeezing through as much as you can. If solids get through the cheesecloth, that is okay; just make sure it is not large amounts. This will give the cider juice a cloudier appearance. The amount of juice you produce is the amount of cider you will have, so keep this in mind.

4. Pour all of the apple juice into a container that you can seal as airtight. Make sure to fill the juice up to the very top of the container, so oxygen doesn't stay in the container above the juice. Seal the container.

5. Store it in the freezer, or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, for at least two months. After you take it out of the freezer, thaw the cider out and pour into glasses to either heat up or keep cool, depending on what you choose.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that for very large batches of cider, it is best to use a cider press.