Fall is in the air, and if you’re anything like me, then you know that one of the best things about this time of year is fresh apple cider! The sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges makes it hard to resist with each sip. There’s nothing like sipping on a warm cup of cider while sitting around a cozy fire—pure bliss!
And while you can certainly enjoy this cold weather treat at any time of year, nothing quite captures the taste of fall like freshly pressed apple cider! But wouldn’t it be great if we could savor that taste all winter long? Well, now we can make our own freezer-friendly version so we can enjoy frozen apple cider anytime.
So grab your mugs and read on to learn how to freeze apple cider at home. So, today I’m going to share with you how to turn seasonal apples into an anytime treat by showing you how easy it is to freeze apple cider.
How Long Will Frozen Apple Cider Vinegar Last?
You can store frozen apple cider in your freezer for up to six months. Make sure you label the container with the date so that you can easily tell when it’s time to replace it. If stored properly, your frozen apple cider should taste just as delicious as the day you made it! You can also make it in smaller batches and freeze them for later use.
Required Materials
- Apple Cider
- Mason jar or another freezer-safe container
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
10 Instructions on How to Freeze Apple Cider
1. Choose Apple Juice
Purchase freshly pressed apple cider from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Make sure to choose a cider that is made from 100% apples! It will have a slightly tart taste and a deep reddish-brown color.
2. Pour into Freezer Containers
Pour your cider into freezer containers or mason jars. Make sure to leave some headspace in each container, as the cider will expand when frozen. If you don’t have any freezer containers, you can also use ice cube trays.
3. Place in Freezer
Place the containers in the freezer until frozen solid. This usually takes about 4-6 hours depending on your freezer’s temperature setting. The freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
4. Remove Containers from Freezer
Once frozen, remove the containers from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to thaw slightly. This will make it easier to scoop out individual cubes of cider. If you are using ice cube trays, you can leave them in the freezer.
5. Scoop Out Frozen Cider Cubes
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, scoop out individual cubes of frozen apple cider and place them into a bowl or container for storage. You can also use your hands to break apart the cubes if desired.
6. Place into Storage Containers
Transfer your frozen cider cubes into smaller storage containers or freezer bags and label them with the date. Make sure to leave some room in the container for expansion, as the cubes will expand once frozen. Store in the freezer until ready to use.
7. Thaw Cider Before Drinking
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cider, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This will give you a delicious cold drink that is perfect for any time of year!
8. Enjoy Your Frozen Cider
Once fully thawed, pour your cider into a mug or cup and enjoy! You can also use frozen cider cubes to make delicious smoothies, shakes, and cocktails.
9. Refreeze Unused Cider
Any unused cider that has been thawed should be placed back in the freezer as soon as possible. This will help preserve the flavor and ensure it stays fresh for future use. While refreezing cider is safe, it may result in a slightly different flavor and texture.
10. Enjoy Year-Round
When you freeze apple cider, you can enjoy its delicious flavor all year round! Make sure to label your containers with the date so that you know when they were made and when to replace them. You can also make smaller batches of cider and freeze them for later use. With this easy method, you can enjoy the fresh taste of apple cider any time of year!
8 Tips to Keep the Frozen Apple Cider Good While Storing
1. Allow the cider to cool completely before placing it into a storage container. If the cider is still warm, condensation will form and cause a freezer burn. It is also important to let the cider cool off in order to retain its flavor and texture.
2. Place the cider into airtight containers or freezer bags that are labeled with the date of freezing for easy identification when you’re ready to use it. Make sure to leave some space in the container or bag so that the cider can expand without breaking its packaging.
3. Place the containers into a freezer bag for extra protection from potential punctures or tears, as well as preventing foreign odors from entering your frozen cider. The container itself should also be labeled with the date of freezing.
4. Keep your freezer temperature at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for ideal storage conditions. Make sure to keep a thermometer in the freezer to monitor temperatures, as any rise in temperature can cause food spoilage.
5. Make sure to use frozen apple cider within 3 months for optimal flavor and quality. Also, try to use the cider within 2-3 days after thawing. While thawed cider can still be consumed, its flavor and texture are best when freshly frozen.
6. Make sure to thaw frozen apple cider in the refrigerator or a cold water bath in order to avoid potential food safety issues. When using a cold water bath, change out the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed.
7. When using thawed cider, make sure to stir or shake the container to evenly distribute flavors before use. As the frozen cider thaws, some of its liquid content may separate and settle at the bottom.
8. Lastly, if you have made a larger batch of apple cider that won’t be consumed all at once, try portioning it into individual containers or bags so that you can thaw only what is needed for the meal. This will help to preserve the flavor and texture of your frozen cider.
Following these tips will ensure that your apple cider stays fresh and flavorful while stored in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy it at its best!
5 Safety Precautions to Follow
1. Make sure the cider is in a container that can withstand freezing. Glass and plastic containers are usually safe to use, but it’s important to check the product label for more information. The cider should also be properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
2. To ensure that the cider will freeze evenly, mix it before transferring it to the freezer container. This ensures that there won’t be chunks of frozen cider when you thaw and consume it afterward. The cider should also be stirred occasionally while it’s freezing.
3. You should make sure that the cider is completely cooled before being placed in the freezer, as warm liquids will lower the temperature of the entire container and could result in food safety issues.
4. When placing the cider in the freezer, make sure to leave some room at the top of the container. This is because cider expands as it freezes, so there needs to be some extra space for expansion.
5. When you’re ready to thaw the cider, make sure to place it in the fridge and let it slowly come up to temperature. Do not defrost in hot water or at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of bacteria. Once the cider is thawed, consume it within a few days for the best quality.
Following these five safety precautions will help you to freeze apple cider safely and enjoy it later. It’s important to remember that freezing apple cider doesn’t make it last forever – so it’s best to consume the cider within a few months of freezing.
Conclusion
Taking the time to freeze your apple cider can help you enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of organic cider year-round. You don’t need to overcomplicate this process; it’s simple and incredibly rewarding. However, be sure to check the temperature of your freezer before beginning – cold temperatures are essential for ensuring your cider remains fresh and delicious.
Also, be sure to follow the five safety precautions outlined above for the best results. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy homemade apple cider anytime you desire!
If freezing isn’t an option, you can also store your cider in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or use a home canning solution to can it and extend its shelf life. Whether you choose to freeze or can your cider, it will be well worth the effort! Have this post on how to freeze apple cider as a guide.
