Ice cider is a delicious and unique beverage that requires careful attention when it comes to storage. In this blog post, we will explore the best methods for storing ice cider, so you can enjoy its delectable flavors for months or even years to come. The key to storing ice cider is to keep it in a cool, dark, and stable environment, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
What is Ice Cider?
A Brief Introduction to Ice Cider
Ice cider, also known as “cidre de glace” in French, is a type of dessert cider made from the juice of frozen apples. It originated in Quebec, Canada in the 1990s and has since gained popularity worldwide for its unique and intense flavors. The process of making ice cider involves leaving apples on the tree until they freeze, or freezing freshly pressed apple juice, and then slowly fermenting the concentrated juice. This results in a sweet, rich, and complex beverage with a higher alcohol content than traditional ciders.
Proper Storage Conditions
Temperature
The ideal temperature for storing ice cider is between 45-55°F (7-12°C). This cool temperature range helps to preserve the flavors and aromas of the cider, while also reducing the risk of spoilage. Make sure to store your ice cider in a location with a consistent temperature, such as a basement or cellar.
Light
Direct sunlight can cause ice cider to deteriorate, so it’s important to keep it away from windows or other sources of natural light. Artificial light can also have an impact on the quality of the cider, so it’s best to store it in a dark space. To protect your ice cider from light exposure, keep it in a cabinet, closet, or wine fridge with a solid door.
Humidity
While humidity isn’t as critical for ice cider as it is for wine, maintaining a humidity level of around 50-70% can help prevent the cork from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. A wine fridge or cellar with humidity control is ideal, but simply storing your ice cider in a cool, dark space should be sufficient for maintaining proper humidity levels.
Positioning
It’s best to store ice cider bottles horizontally, especially if they have a cork closure. This helps to keep the cork moist and maintain a tight seal, preventing air from entering the bottle and causing oxidation. Store your ice cider on its side in a wine rack or other suitable storage solution.
Bottle Seals and Closures
Cork
Many ice ciders are sealed with a traditional cork, which can provide an excellent barrier against oxygen when properly maintained. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to keep the cork moist by storing the bottle horizontally and maintaining proper humidity levels.
Screw Cap
Screw caps are becoming increasingly popular for sealing ice cider bottles, as they provide a consistent and reliable seal that doesn’t require specific storage conditions. If your ice cider has a screw cap, you can store it vertically or horizontally without any concerns about the seal.
Crown Cap
Some ice ciders may be sealed with a crown cap, similar to those found on beer bottles. These closures provide a good seal and don’t require any specific storage conditions, making them a convenient option for ice cider storage.
Shelf Life
How Long Does Ice Cider Last?
The shelf life of ice cider can vary depending on factors such as the specific cider, its production method, and storage conditions. In general, most ice ciders can be enjoyed for at least 2-3 years, and some can even improve with age for up to 5-10 years. To ensure you’re enjoying your ice cider at its best, check the label for any producer recommendations or expiration dates.
Serving Ice Cider
Enjoying Your Ice Cider at the Perfect Temperature
When it comes time to enjoy your ice cider, serving it at the proper temperature can make a big difference in the flavors and aromas you experience. For the best taste, serve your ice cider chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C). You can achieve this by placing the bottle in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
To sum up, the key to storing ice cider is to ensure it is kept in a cool, dark, and stable environment, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy your ice cider’s delectable flavors for months or even years to come. Here are the top 10 facts about storing ice cider:
1. Ice cider is a dessert cider made from frozen apples.
2. It originated in Quebec, Canada in the 1990s.
3. The ideal storage temperature is between 45-55°F (7-12°C).
4. Keep ice cider away from direct sunlight and artificial light.
5. Maintain a humidity level of around 50-70%.
6. Store ice cider bottles horizontally if they have a cork closure.
7. Cork, screw cap, and crown cap are common bottle seals and closures.
8. Most ice ciders can be enjoyed for 2-3 years or even longer.
9. Check the label for any producer recommendations or expiration dates.
10. Serve ice cider chilled at around 45-50°F (7-10°C) for the best taste.
FAQs
How long can you keep ice cider?
Ice cider can be kept for several years if stored properly in a cool, dark place. However, the flavor and quality of the cider may deteriorate over time. It is recommended to consume ice cider within 2-3 years for the best taste.
Should cider be kept in the fridge?
Yes, cider should be kept in the fridge to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.
How long will homemade hard cider last?
Homemade hard cider can last up to a year if stored properly in a cool, dark place.
Do ciders need to be refrigerated?
It depends on the type of cider. If it is a fresh, unpasteurized cider, it should be refrigerated to prevent fermentation and spoilage. However, commercially produced ciders that have been pasteurized and have preservatives added can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
How long will homemade cider last in the fridge?
Homemade cider will last in the fridge for about 7-10 days.
Does refrigerated cider go bad?
Yes, refrigerated cider can go bad if it is not consumed within a certain period of time. The shelf life of refrigerated cider depends on various factors such as the type of cider, the method of preservation, and the storage conditions. Generally, unopened refrigerated cider can last for several months, while opened cider should be consumed within a week or two. It is important to check the expiration date and look for signs of spoilage such as a sour smell or a change in color or texture before consuming refrigerated cider.
