Mangrove Jack's Cider Kit — Brewing Instructions

IMPORTANT: Do not throw away your pouch before reading these instructions — it contains information required to successfully complete your brew. We also recommend noting your kit's batch number (found on the back of the pouch) in case you need to contact us.

The Specific Gravity (SG) reference table is available online. Scan the QR code on your pouch or visit: mangrovejacks.com/pages/sg-readings

Equipment You'll Need

25L Food Grade Plastic Fermentation Bucket with lid and mixing paddle
Harris SureSan No Rinse Sanitiser (sold separately)
Cider Hydrometer
Fermentation Airlock and grommet or bung
Complete Syphon Kit or bottling wand
Bottles - 500ml Amber Glass Swing Top Bottles
Mangrove Jack's Carbonation Drops

Brewing Steps

Clean & sanitise your fermenter, lid, and mixing paddle. We stock Harris SureSan No Rinse Sanitiser — refer to the packaging instructions for correct usage.
Add the wet ingredients. Remove the sachets from the 'dry' compartment of the pouch and set aside. Pour the contents of the 'wet' compartment into your sanitised fermenter and squeeze out any remains.
Dissolve the sugar. Add 3 L (3 US qt) of boiling water to the fermenter. Add 1 kg (2.2 lb) of dextrose or ordinary white granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
Top up & add dry ingredients. Top up to 23 L (6 US Gal) with cold tap water and stir well. Check the liquid temperature is between 18–24°C (64–75°F) — if not, stand the fermenter in a bath of icy water to cool it down. Add the cider yeast and cider sweetener sachets and stir to mix. Also add any other dry additives included (e.g. oak chips, flowers). Do not add cider flavour or dry hops at this stage.
Sweetness Style Guide
- Dry — Do not add the sweetener sachet.
- Off Dry — Add half of the sweetener sachet.
- Sweet — Add the whole sweetener sachet.
Fit the airlock. Attach a fermentation airlock and grommet or bung to the fermenter lid and secure the lid so the seal is airtight. Half-fill the airlock 'U' with cooled boiled water or sanitiser solution.
Ferment. Leave to ferment at a constant temperature of 18–24°C (64–75°F):
- 4 days — for pouches that include dry hops
- 6 days — for pouches that do not include dry hops
Note: Cooler temperatures will extend fermentation time. Below 12°C (54°F) fermentation will stop altogether. Use a heat belt in cold conditions. Fermenting above the recommended temperature will reduce cider quality.
Dry hopping (if included). After 4 days, check the SG using a hydrometer. If the SG is 1.015 or below, add the hop pellet sachet — do not stir (hops will disperse naturally). If the SG is above 1.015, check again in 1–2 days. Once hops are added, replace the lid and leave to ferment for a further 2 days, or until the airlock stops bubbling. Check the SG again — fermentation is complete when the reading is within two points of the SG table online.
Tip: To avoid hop particles in the finished cider, use a hop bag for dry hopping — though this may reduce hop flavour and aroma.
Without dry hops. After 6 days (or when the airlock stops bubbling), check the SG using a hydrometer. Fermentation is complete when the reading is within two points of the SG table online. If not, leave for a few more days before checking again.

⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING: Do not bottle until fermentation is complete. The only way to be completely sure fermentation has finished is by recording the same SG reading over a 48-hour period.

Add cider flavour. Once fermentation is complete, add the cider flavour into the fermenter and stir well with a sanitised spoon. Refit the lid and airlock and leave to stand for 24 hours to allow the yeast to resettle before bottling.
Prepare bottles. Browse our Cider Making Equipment range for suitable bottles, including 500ml Amber Glass Swing Top Bottles. Clean and sanitise bottles, syphon tube, or bottling wand before use. Reject any glass bottles with chips, cracks, or imperfections. Do not use non-reusable bottles.
Bottle your cider. Transfer cider into bottles using your syphon kit, leaving 5 cm (2") of headspace (measured from the very top of the bottle). Before sealing, add Mangrove Jack's Carbonation Drops — one drop is equivalent to ½ tsp of sugar. Refer to the carbonation drops packaging for the correct quantity.
Condition & clear. Seal bottles and store in a warm place for 5 days, then move to a cool, dark place to clear for a further 7 days.

Serving & Storage

Your cider is ready to drink as soon as it's clear, but for a smoother result leave it somewhere cool and dark for an extra 2 weeks. Serve chilled. For a clear cider, decant into a serving jug before pouring. For a cloudy cider, gently upend the bottle before serving.

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