Every summer we see the same thing happen.
Homebrewers who have spent the colder months brewing stouts, porters and strong ales start looking for something a little lighter and more refreshing.
For many people, that means cider.
A good cider is crisp, refreshing and incredibly easy to drink on a warm afternoon. It works just as well at a barbecue as it does sitting in the garden after work.
Perhaps more importantly, cider is one of the easiest drinks to make at home.
You don't need complicated equipment. You don't need years of brewing experience. And you certainly don't need to spend an entire day standing over a boiler.
That's one of the reasons cider kits remain so popular.
If you've never made cider before, summer is arguably the best time to start.
Why Cider Works So Well During Summer
There's a reason pubs, beer gardens and supermarkets suddenly seem to sell more cider as the weather improves.
Cider naturally lends itself to warm-weather drinking.
Most cider styles are lighter and more refreshing than many traditional beer styles. They tend to be served cold, have a clean finish and are easy to enjoy over a long afternoon.
While there will always be a place for a rich stout or strong ale, many homebrewers simply prefer something more refreshing when temperatures start climbing.
That's exactly where cider comes into its own.
Is Cider Easier to Make Than Beer?
In many cases, yes.
Modern cider kits have made the process incredibly straightforward.
Most kits simply require you to mix the ingredients, add water, pitch the yeast and allow fermentation to take place.
There are fewer variables to worry about compared to all-grain brewing, which makes cider a fantastic option for beginners.
If you're completely new to homebrewing, a Beginner Cider Making Starter Kit gives you virtually everything needed to produce your first batch. It includes the essential equipment and ingredients required to make around 40 pints of homemade cider.
Which Cider Kit Should You Choose?
The good news is that there are now far more options available than traditional apple cider.
Some brewers want a classic crisp cider, while others prefer fruit-forward styles that are ideal for summer drinking.
For Traditional Apple Cider Fans
If you enjoy classic pub-style cider, both the John Bull Country Cider Kit and On The Rocks Apple Cider Kit are excellent places to start.
These focus on clean apple character and broad appeal.
For Fruit Cider Lovers
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fruit cider styles.
Popular options include:
- On The Rocks Mixed Berry Cider
- On The Rocks Blueberry Cider
- On The Rocks Peach & Mango Cider
- On The Rocks Pear Cider
These styles tend to be particularly popular during warmer weather because they're light, refreshing and easy to drink.
For Something Different
One kit that feels particularly relevant right now is Mangrove Jack's Elderflower & Lime Cider Kit. With elderflowers appearing across the UK during June, it's a style that captures the season perfectly.
If you've recently been out picking elderflowers, this is an easy way to enjoy those same flavours without making a country wine from scratch.
Bottles or Pressure Barrel: Which Is Better for Cider?
Once fermentation is complete, you'll need to decide how you want to package your cider.
Most home cidermakers choose either bottles or a pressure barrel.
Both methods work well, but each has its advantages.
Bottling remains the most popular option for beginners. It's inexpensive, straightforward and allows you to store cider for longer periods. Bottles are also ideal if you like giving cider away to friends and family or keeping a few bottles back to mature.
A pressure barrel offers a different experience. Instead of filling dozens of bottles, you can serve your cider directly from a tap. For many homebrewers, this makes summer drinking considerably more convenient.
If you regularly make cider and enjoy serving it at barbecues or garden gatherings, a 23 Litre Pressure Barrel can be a worthwhile upgrade.
How Long Does Homemade Cider Take?
One of the reasons cider is such a popular summer homebrew is that it can be ready surprisingly quickly.
Most cider kits complete primary fermentation within one to two weeks, depending on temperature and the specific kit being used.
After that, a short period of conditioning allows flavours to mature and carbonation to develop.
Many ciders are perfectly enjoyable after just a few weeks, although some brewers prefer to leave them longer for a smoother, more rounded flavour.
The temptation is always to drink it immediately.
As with beer and wine, patience is often rewarded.
How to Improve Any Cider Kit
Modern cider kits produce excellent results on their own, but there are a few simple ways to improve the finished cider.
Control Your Fermentation Temperature
Just like beer, cider yeast performs best within a recommended temperature range.
Large temperature swings can affect flavour and fermentation performance.
A cool, stable environment usually produces the best results.
Use a Quality Cider Enhancer
If you're looking to increase body and improve overall character, products such as Mangrove Jack's Liquid Cider Enhancer can help create a fuller, more rounded cider.
Many experienced cidermakers prefer using an enhancer rather than simply adding extra sugar.
Give It Time
This advice appears in almost every homebrewing guide for a reason.
Freshly fermented cider can taste slightly rough around the edges.
A few extra weeks of conditioning often results in a noticeably smoother and more balanced drink.
Why More Brewers Are Making Cider
Cider occupies an interesting position in the homebrewing world.
It's easier than many beer styles, quicker than most wines and requires less equipment than people often expect.
At the same time, there is plenty of room to experiment.
Traditional apple cider, pear cider, berry cider and modern fruit-infused styles all offer something different.
That variety is one of the reasons cider has continued to grow in popularity among homebrewers.
Whether you're making your very first batch or looking for a refreshing alternative to beer this summer, cider remains one of the most rewarding drinks you can make at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cider easier to make than beer?
For most beginners, yes.
Modern cider kits are generally very straightforward to use and require fewer steps than many beer brewing methods. There is no mashing, boiling or hop schedule to worry about, making cider one of the easiest ways to get started with homebrewing.
If you're completely new to the hobby, a Beginner Cider Making Starter Kit provides a simple introduction and includes much of the equipment needed to make your first batch.
How long does homemade cider take to make?
Most cider kits will finish fermenting within one to two weeks, depending on temperature and yeast activity.
However, allowing an additional few weeks for conditioning will often improve the flavour and overall drinking experience.
Many homebrewers find their cider tastes noticeably better after a month than it does after a couple of weeks.
Can I make cider all year round?
Absolutely.
While cider feels particularly suited to summer drinking, it can be brewed successfully throughout the year.
The key is maintaining a suitable fermentation temperature and following the instructions provided with your chosen cider kit.
Do I need a pressure barrel to make cider?
No.
Cider can be bottled, kegged or served from a pressure barrel.
Many beginners start with bottles and later move to a pressure barrel once they are producing cider more regularly.
The best method is usually the one that fits your available space, budget and drinking habits.
Which cider flavour is best for beginners?
Traditional apple cider remains the safest starting point for most people.
Kits such as On The Rocks Apple Cider Kit and John Bull Country Cider Kit offer a classic cider profile that's easy to enjoy and widely appealing.
Once you've brewed a traditional cider, fruit cider kits can be a fun way to experiment with different flavours.
Final Thoughts
Not every summer homebrew has to be beer.
In fact, for many people, cider is the perfect warm-weather alternative.
It's refreshing, easy to make, requires relatively little equipment and offers a huge range of styles to explore.
Whether you prefer a traditional apple cider, a crisp pear cider or something more adventurous such as elderflower and lime, there's never been a better selection of cider kits available to homebrewers.
If you're looking for a brewing project that doesn't require a full day in the brewery and rewards you with a refreshing drink for the garden, cider is hard to beat.
Browse our full range of Cider Kits, explore our Beginner Cider Making Starter Kit and discover why so many homebrewers make cider their drink of choice during the summer months.