Cider Making Kits

A cider making kit is the easiest way to make cider at home: it contains concentrated juice and cider yeast, so there's no apple pressing. Most make around 23 litres (40 pints) at roughly 4.5–5.5% ABV in a few weeks. We stock apple, pear and fruit cider kits from Bulldog, Mangrove Jack's, Magnum, On The Rocks, WobblyGob and John Bull, plus hobby presses for making cider from fresh apples.

Buying guide & FAQs

Cider making kits are the easiest way to produce delicious, refreshing cider at home — no apple pressing required. Each homebrew cider kit contains concentrated fruit juice and cider yeast, so you simply add water, ferment, and enjoy up to 40 pints of crisp, sparkling cider in a few weeks. At BrewCo UK we stock all the leading cider kit brands, from classic apple to modern fruit varieties like mixed berry, elderflower & lime, and strawberry & pear.

Our range includes Bulldog Cider kits, the premium Mangrove Jack's Craft Cider Series, On The Rocks, Magnum Cider, and the ever-popular John Bull Country Cider. Most kits make around 23 litres (40 pints) at 4.5–5.5% ABV, and many just need 1kg of brewing sugar or dextrose to get started. Looking for something a bit different? Browse our flavoured & fruit cider kits or pear cider kits.

New to cider making? All you need alongside your kit is basic fermentation equipment — a starter kit covers everything — and our step-by-step brewing guides and kit instructions walk you through the whole process. Prefer to start from scratch with real apples or juice? You'll want cider yeast, pectolase and a few additives. Whichever route you take, homemade cider costs a fraction of shop prices and tastes every bit as good. Fast UK delivery from BrewCo UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a cider kit take to make?

Most cider kits ferment in 7–14 days at 18–24°C, then need 1–2 weeks in the bottle to carbonate. Allow 3–4 weeks from starting to drinking; a further few weeks of conditioning improves flavour noticeably.

What equipment do I need for a cider making kit?

A 25 litre fermenting bucket with lid and airlock, a syphon, a hydrometer, steriliser, and around 40 bottles (or a pressure barrel). Our starter kits bundle all of this together.

Do I need to add sugar to a cider kit?

It depends on the kit. Many 1.5–1.8kg kits ask for 1kg of brewing sugar or dextrose; premium kits such as Mangrove Jack's Craft Series and Bulldog are complete and need nothing extra. Check the kit page or its instructions before you start.

How strong is homemade cider from a kit?

Typically 4.5–5.5% ABV when made to the instructions. Reducing the water volume slightly makes a stronger cider; adding more water makes a lighter, more sessionable one.

Can I make cider without a kit?

Yes — from pressed apples or supermarket apple juice with a sachet of cider yeast. Our 12 litre hobby press cider kit is ideal if you have access to apples.

Which cider kit is best for beginners?

The Mangrove Jack's cider starter kit includes the equipment and a Craft Series cider kit. If you already have a fermenter, Bulldog and Magnum apple kits are straightforward first brews. See our cider kit comparison chart.

Can I make pear or fruit cider from a kit?

Yes. Bulldog Perfect Pear, Magnum Pear and fruit kits such as Mixed Berry, Strawberry & Lime and Elderflower & Lime are all available.

How do I make cider from my own apples?

Crush and press the apples with a fruit crusher and hobby press. Our cider making kits with 4.5L, 6L or 12L presses include one. Then ferment the juice with a cider yeast such as Gervin GV13 or Mangrove Jack's M02.

Should I bottle or keg my cider?

Either works. Bottles with a little priming sugar give sparkling cider. A pressure barrel or a 10L polypin is quicker and easy to serve from.