🧪 GET THE CIDER MASTER LAB SHEET ($1): buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab/e/506608
Download the official 7.3% Session Cider Lab Sheet! Includes:
⚖️ The “Mega-Scale” Table: Exact ratios for 10L, 23L, and 50L batches.
🍺 The Pinter 3 Hack: Specific instructions for Pinter users to bypass expensive packs.
🍏 The Tannin & Acid Secret: My “Lemon & Tea” protocol for a professional “craft” finish.
💥 Fizz Guide: How to carbonate safely without “bottle bombs.”
Welcome back to Rainford’s Brew Lab! In this budget challenge, we are tackling ALDI to show you how to make high-quality homemade cider using cheap apple juice for an unbelievable price: just 63p per pint.
This is the most accessible beginner homebrew recipe on the internet. We prove that you don’t need a farm or a press to make a refreshing, high-strength hard cider that rivals the commercial brands.
🔬 SUPPORT THE LAB: I am currently upgrading the Brew Lab equipment, including a dedicated camera, a juicer for fresh-press experiments, and “Brew-Mania” storage. I chose Buy Me A Coffee over Patreon to keep things personal—please only donate if you can afford to. Every $1 helps fund the next big experiment! Support here: buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab
📝 The Quick Lab Specs:
Base: 4L Aldi Apple Juice + 150g Sugar
The “Zing”: Lemon Juice & Tannin (Tea Hack)
ABV: 7.3% (OG 1.056 | FG 1.000)
Cost: Approx. £4.00 per batch / 57p-63p per pint.
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Equipment & Consumables I Use
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. (This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click the links and make a purchase.)
Cameras
Canon PowerShot V10 Vlogging Starter Kit https://amzn.to/3K3ozMB
Gopro Hero 4K https://amzn.to/4nWNLCb
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra https://amzn.to/4pkrIH0
Sanitisation
ChemSan Self Foaming No Rinse Sanitiser 1 litre https://amzn.to/48iGh86
Starsan 16 oz https://amzn.to/3JCEMs4
Milton Tablets https://amzn.to/4oKvoll
Brewing Equipment
Glass Demijohn 5L with 2 Piece Airlock and Bung https://amzn.to/3K9D9SJ
Home Brew Hydrometer with 100ml Sampling Jar https://amzn.to/4r3NxvV
Mixing Spoon https://amzn.to/3JTzqZu
Auto Siphon Racking Cane https://amzn.to/3WXdDTH
TOPINCN Homebrew CO2 Injector https://amzn.to/4a6fqgL
2 Pack Handy Airlock (Silent) with Bung https://amzn.to/49pltNi
50W Heat Mat with Thermostat https://amzn.to/4oQribm
KitchenCraft Baster https://amzn.to/3K2OKmt
Consumables
Mangrove Jacks Cider Yeast https://amzn.to/3X3cDNP
Lalvin EC-1118 10 pack https://amzn.to/49TUCcf
Youngs Dried Active Yeast 100g https://amzn.to/3X1lEXC
Young’s yeast nutrient 100g https://amzn.to/3LMMvUT
Youngs Pectolase 400g https://amzn.to/49HH2sH
Wine Tannin 50g Youngs x 3 https://amzn.to/3XxkmDQ
Bentonite – 250 Gram Tub https://amzn.to/3JTBMaM
⚠️ Health, Safety & Legal Disclaimers
Health Warning:
This video is for viewers of legal drinking age only (18+ in the UK).
Drink Responsibly: Government guidelines recommend not regularly exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week. For support, visit Drinkaware.co.uk.
Pregnancy Warning: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause lifelong harm to the baby.
Safety & Liability Disclaimer:
Sanitation: When using fresh grapes, ensure they are washed and all equipment is thoroughly sanitized to avoid wild yeast spoilage or bacteria.
Personal Responsibility: These methods represent my personal process at Rainford’s Brew Lab. Follow these steps at your own risk. I am not liable for any outcomes or injuries resulting from home brewing.