Wild Fermented Cider Recipe

Wild Fermented Raspberry or Blackberry Cider Recipe (Half-Gallon)

This simple recipe shows you how to make wild fermented raspberry or blackberry cider at home—no special brewing equipment needed!

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cups fresh raspberries or blackberries (or a mix)
• 8 cups filtered water (non-chlorinated)
• 1/2 cup sugar (optional)
• A half-gallon glass jar or jug
• Cloth or paper towel and rubber band

Instructions:

1. Prep the Berries
   Gently rinse the berries to remove dirt, but don’t scrub hard as you want to keep the natural wild yeast. Lightly crush the berries to release their juices.
2. Combine with Water
   Place the crushed berries in your clean half-gallon jar. Pour the filtered water over the berries, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top for fermentation.
3. Optional: Add Sugar
   Dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in warm water, then add it to the jar. While optional, sugar can speed up fermentation and improve flavor.
4. Cover and Let Ferment
   Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band. Place it in a warm, dark area (65-75°F or 18-24°C). Allow it to ferment for 3-7 days.
5. Stir Daily
   Stir the cider once a day with a clean spoon. You should see bubbles in 2-3 days, a sign that fermentation has started. The berries will float to the top, and the mixture will smell tangy.
6. Strain the Berries
   After 3-7 days, when bubbling slows and the smell is right, strain the cider. Press the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the liquid to a clean bottle or jar.
7. Optional: Secondary Fermentation for Fizzy Cider
   For a naturally fizzy cider, transfer the liquid to an airtight bottle and let it ferment for 1-3 more days. Be cautious—pressure can build up quickly!
8. Chill and Enjoy
   Place the cider in the fridge and enjoy! It’s best consumed within a week for maximum flavor.

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Notes:

• Wild Yeast vs. Commercial Yeast: This recipe relies on wild yeast from the berries for fermentation. If you’d prefer a more consistent or faster process, you can add a pinch of commercial yeast at the beginning.
• Sweetness Adjustment: After fermentation, you can sweeten the cider with honey or sugar to taste.

We also recommend exploring the history of making wild berry cider as it is a fascinating story. Enjoy your homemade wild-fermented raspberry or blackberry cider!