I have this on a couple of news groups (home-brewing & winemaking)
I just bought 5 gallon of apple juice to make cider with. The juice has a total of 2,000 grams of sugar which is about equal to 10 cups (9.92025 cups) of sugar. I usually use about 15 cups of sugar in 5 gal of cider. Is the sugar in the juice the same as the sugar that I have been using (Cane Granulated Sugar) and will I only need to put 5 cups of sugar in the 5 gal batch to achieved the same results.
hmmm.... The only way I know of to know for sure how much sugar there is in the juice is to use a hydrometer. Then adjust accordingly. Even if they added 10 cups of sugar to the juice, the natural juice in the fruit varies. So if you don't care about where the alcohol percentage is going to end up. Then just go ahead and throw in the 5 cups. It might be strong, it might be week. But to make it at the level you want it you will have to measure the current sugar level with a hydrometer and adjust accordingly.
David
Yes, a hydrometer is the way to go. I've done pear wine form juice that had a 7% potential alcohol reading BEFORE I added any sugar. Have found that all juices are different so it's always better to be sure. Good luck.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required