Back Sweetening is probably in the Top 3 for most asked questions on our Channel and in our Facebook Group. I’m going to show you 5 ways to back sweeten your mead, cider, wine and even beer! I go over the very simplest way to backsweeten all the way to the more advanced methods, and all the pitfalls and advantages of each method of sweetening your concoctions.
_______________________________________________________
Some links to items useful for brewing:
* Lalvin d47 yeast: https://amzn.to/2C0N86B
* Wide Mouth One Gallon jar with lid and twin bubble airlock:
https://amzn.to/2GSxoXe
* Hydrometer: https://amzn.to/2Xv8WAh
* Graduated Cylinder: https://amzn.to/2EDZD9Z
_______________________________________________________
Want more City Steading?

Join our Mailing List: http://city-steading.com/signup-for-our-mailing-list/
Website: http://www.city-steading.com
City Steading Bread and Beyond: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjTeB88zqdwT69gdNC-UXw
City Steading Garden and Grow: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHxMV_CVlLNQhRBfPOrdh2A
VIP Club: http://city-steading.com/vip-club/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/citysteading

Unlock 50+ Brewing Lab Sheets & Early Access: https://buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab/membership

Learn how to make alcohol at home using just 2 simple ingredients — apple juice and yeast.

GET THE 6% CIDER MASTER LAB SHEET ($1): buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab/e/507008

Download the official 2-Ingredient Cider Lab Sheet! Includes:

Scaling Tables: Precise ratios for 4.5L, 23L, and 50L batches.

The Pinter 3 Hack: How to use this as a budget “system refill.”

The Cold Crash Method: My specific technique for professional clarity without chemicals.

Technical Specs: Starting and Final Gravity readings for a perfect 6% result.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how easy it is to turn store-bought juice into real, drinkable hard cider in just a few days. This is the ultimate “No-Excuses” recipe—no special equipment, no extra sugar, and costs less than £1.25 to get started!

SUPPORT THE LAB: I’m currently upgrading the Brew Lab equipment, including a dedicated camera and a juicer for fresh-press experiments. I chose Buy Me A Coffee over Patreon to keep things personal—please only donate if you can afford to. Your support directly funds the next big experiment! Support here: buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab

The Quick Lab Specs:

Ingredients: 1L Aldi Apple Juice + 1/2 tsp Bread Yeast.

ABV: Approx. 6% (Natural sugar fermentation).

Method: “The Loose Cap” vent system.

Cost: Approx. £1.25 per Litre.

Watch till the end for fermentation tips and how to decant your cider like a pro to avoid the sediment!

#homebrew #howtomakealcohol #cider #brewing #fermentation #homemadewine #budgetbrewing

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 fruit, 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.

How to make strong alcohol with 3 ingredients and no equipment for cheap on a budget. Its an easy way to make homemade cider and wine that tastes amazing. #homebrew #homemade #homemadewine

https://paypal.me/RossTurnerFilms?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB
https://buymeacoffee.com/RossTurnerFilms

Unlock 50+ Brewing Lab Sheets & Early Access: https://buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab/membership

Learn how to siphon your homebrew the easy way — no mess, no wasted beer, wine, or cider, and no oxidation!
In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to transfer your brew cleanly from fermenter to bottle or demijohn, keeping your batch crystal clear.

You’ll Learn:
• How to set up and sanitise your siphon
• How to start the flow without bubbles
• How to avoid disturbing sediment
• When to stop for the cleanest transfer

buymeacoffee.com/rainfordsbrewlab I am currently trying to purchase various equipment for The Brew Lab including a juicer, various ingredients, a dedicated camera so Im not using my phone camera and some storage and brewmania for the lab. Patreon was suggested to me by a subscriber but this seemed easier to set up and a more personal touch. Please only donate if you can afford to and you have my word it will go to supplying The Brew Lab with further projects. Thank you.

More Brewing Tutorials:
Brewing Tutorials & How-Tos Playlist → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLam_FN_0XHWHl_qabn2S83qHKcmtE7d8Q&si=hOMr__oKY3nSqXUa

Watch Next:
£2 Asda Grape Juice → Real Wine → https://youtu.be/6yfJjmSo4c4

Subscribe for weekly homebrew tips, experiments & tutorials!
#HomeBrew #BrewingTips #BeerMaking #WineMaking #CiderMaking #BrewItYourselfUK

This might be the easiest sweet bubbly cider we’ve ever made.
We show you how to sweeten cider safely, carbonate it naturally, and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Simple process, great flavor, zero stress.
_____________________________________
Sweet Hard Cider – Ingredient List
[Base Ingredients]
*1 gallon (3.8 L) pasteurized apple cider or apple juice
(No preservatives other than ascorbic acid / Vitamin C)
*½ packet Mangrove Jack’s M02 Cider Yeast: https://amzn.to/3Z9nIxT
(≈ 5 g) You can save the rest in the fridge for later use.

[For Sweetening (Non-Fermentable)]
*Allulose – ¾ to 1 cup (150–200 g): https://amzn.to/3NEu8CL
(Add to taste — start small and adjust)
Won’t restart fermentation
No artificial aftertaste
Keeps cider sweet after bottling

[For Carbonation]
*White sugar (priming sugar):
*1.5 oz (42 g) per gallon
_____________________________________
Related Videos:
*Allulose vs White Sugar vs Stevia (Beyond the Brews): https://youtu.be/prAWrLU6l-0?si=k4d3iAJNcl-hbQEq

Equipment Used:
*Star San (mixed per manufacturer instructions): https://amzn.to/3SXFoKg
*1–1.5 gallon fermentation vessel with Airlock: https://amzn.to/47LOkdX
*Spaddle: https://amzn.to/4bM43IQ
*Hydrometer & Graduated Cylinder: https://amzn.to/4ow8gXz
*(or Tilt, optional): https://amzn.to/4njWPkv
*Auto-siphon: https://amzn.to/4cz8VRr
*Our Favorite Pitcher: https://amzn.to/4dFWNzh
*Bottles rated for carbonation: https://amzn.to/3WwbbUN
*Bottle caps: https://amzn.to/4c70g9q
*Bench Bottle Capper: https://amzn.to/3VREkcL

We use the Amazon Affiliate Program for these links and we DO receive a small commission if you purchase using our links and all this comes at no additional cost to you!
_____________________________________
Become a City Steading VIP – Click to learn more

VIP Club

_____________________________________
Want more City Steading?
Website: http://www.city-steading.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/citysteading
#hardcider #homebrewing #cidermaking #diybrew #homebrew #ciderrecipe #beginnerbrewing

Turbo Hard Cider is a great way for beginners to learn lots about the brewing process. You can easily give it a Christmas Twist with sugar free winter warmer Vimto. I used Lutra Kveik Yeast so to ensure it was ready for Christmas!
______________________
My Brewing Gear (These are Amazon Affiliate Links you can use to support the channel)
pH meter – https://amzn.to/3IdJdnd
Hydrometer – https://amzn.to/3Ihd1PD
Pink Stuff – https://amzn.to/3KPGQaQ
Chemsan – https://amzn.to/3q6oURh
Paint Pen for Bottles – https://amzn.to/3LUHULT
Tubing – https://amzn.to/3DnVMuo
Fermenting bucket – https://amzn.to/3wQp1F6
BIAB Grain Bag – https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124586407908
Bottle Brush – https://amzn.to/38eza43
Thermometer – https://amzn.to/35qIyk4
Laser Thermometer – https://amzn.to/3Lrevbj
Gauntlets – https://amzn.to/3tPX7H4
Colander – https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/idealisk-colander-stainless-steel-black-50103755/
Campden Tablets – https://amzn.to/3tSLRdm
______________________
Filming Equipment
iPhone 11 – https://amzn.to/3tZyV45
Lapel Mic – https://amzn.to/3t04evc
Ring Light – https://amzn.to/3h5QHwB
Portable Recorder – https://amzn.to/3JRHjsP
______________________

RECIPE for 1 gal (The size of your usual Demijohn:
______________________
-4L Apple Juice (Can be fresh pressed or can be concentrated so long as there are no preservatives but I much prefer concentrated)
-725ml Winter Warmer Vimto (Or any Winter Spiced Squash)
-Yeast Nutrient according to the manufactures recommendations (Doubled if you’re using Kveik yeast)
-Lutra Kveik Yeast
______________________
Ferment @ room temperature for 1 Week
______________________
OG: 1.040
FG: 1.005
ABV: 4%ish

The OG will vary between brands of apple juice. You can also add sugar before you add the yeast if you wish to boost the alcohol content.

​​Ever wondered how to make hard cider at home with almost no equipment? This 9-second Short shows you the simple magic of turning apple juice and yeast into sparkling cider in a bottle!
​ Want the full, step-by-step guide and detailed tips on how to safely ferment juice and yeast into cider?
​WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/Div4LLk5gr4?si=U7T0bthgEpApPUSj

​#HardCider #CiderRecipe #NoEquipmentCider #JuiceAndYeast #DIYHomebrewing #BeginnerCider #HomemadeAlcohol #AppleJuice
​@Brewe It Yourself Uk]

How to Sweeten Your Alcohol #cider #mead #wine #homebrew #diy #applecider #science #recipe

Sugar is an important part of homebrewing. It’s what we convert into alcohol during fermentation stage. The difference between dry and sweet is the amount of sugar that is not transformed into alcohol during the fermentation. Leftover sugar is called “residual sugar” which can be measured in g/L or grams per Liter. The amount of residual sugar will determine the sweetness of the wine.In dry wines the quantity of residual sugar is minimal, and you will not be able to taste it. On the other hand, you should also know that in very fresh wines the sweetness is balanced by the acidity, therefore it is hard to notice.

I had just made a video on aging and bottling which might share some more of my thoughts. If you really need to close the headspace the quick answer would be yes since racking and moving liquid is part of the process. My concern would be around making sure that you don’t then expose your mead to oxygen and oxidize what you have just been aging.

Mastering Sweetening Technique for Homebrew #cider #mead #wine
Ultimate Guide to Back-Sweetening Homebrew #cider #mead #wine
Secret Tips for Perfect Back-Sweetening Homebrew #cider #mead #wine
Back-Sweetening Hacks for Amazing Homebrew #cider #mead #wine
The Art of Back-Sweetening Homebrew #cider #mead #wine

Use

Cider
Hard Cider
Hard Cider At Home
Hard Cider Recipe

How to PRECISLEY Back-Sweeten Your Alcohol #cider #mead #wine #homebrew #diy #science
How to PRECISLEY Back-Sweeten Homebrew #cider #mead #wine

https://wineturtle.com/how-to-sweeten-wine/#:~:text=1%20Make%20a%20simple%20syrup%20from%20one%20cup,of%20syrup%20into%20your%20wine.%20…%20More%20items

How To Make Homemade Cider for 63p Per Pint using ALDI Apple Juice! (Beginner Recipe)

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.

—
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.