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🍊 How to Make Alcohol from Orange Juice at Home

Ever wondered if you can turn your morning orange juice into something a little stronger? Good news—you can! With a simple fermentation process, orange juice can be transformed into a refreshing homemade alcoholic drink that sits somewhere between a fruity wine and a light cider.

🥤 What You’ll Need

Here’s the basic equipment and ingredients:

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 litres fresh orange juice (no preservatives!)
  • 200g sugar (adjust for sweetness/strength)
  • 1 tsp yeast nutrient
  • 1 sachet brewing yeast (champagne yeast works great)
  • ½ tsp pectolase (optional, helps clear juice)
  • Campden tablet (optional, for sterilising juice before fermentation)

⚗ Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sanitise everything
    Clean and sterilise all equipment to avoid contamination.
  2. Prepare the juice
    Pour the orange juice into your fermenting bucket or demijohn.
    ⚠ Note: If it contains preservatives like potassium sorbate, it won’t ferment—choose fresh or long-life juice without additives.
  3. Add sugar
    Dissolve 200g sugar in a small amount of warm water, then mix into the juice. This boosts alcohol content.
    (Tip: use a hydrometer to check your starting gravity if you want to measure ABV accurately.)
  4. Add nutrients and yeast
    Stir in yeast nutrient and pectolase (if using). Then sprinkle the brewing yeast on top.
  5. Ferment
    Fit the bung & airlock. Leave in a warm place (18–22°C) for 7–14 days until bubbling stops.
  6. Rack off
    Use the siphon tube to transfer the liquid into a clean demijohn, leaving sediment behind. Optionally add a Campden tablet to stabilise.
  7. Bottle & age
    Once fermentation is complete, bottle your orange wine. It can be drunk young (a bit sharp and tangy), or aged for 1–3 months to mellow.

🍷 What Does It Taste Like?

Homemade orange juice alcohol is fruity, sharp, and lightly acidic. The sugar level you add will decide if it’s closer to a tangy dry wine or a sweeter dessert-style drink. Expect an ABV of around 10–12% with the sugar addition.

🧠 Tips & Variations

  • Add a cinnamon stick or cloves during fermentation for a spiced twist.
  • Blend orange juice with apple juice for a smoother, cider-like flavour.
  • Back-sweeten with honey or sugar after fermentation if it’s too dry.
  • Use a hydrometer to track fermentation progress and final strength.

📌 Key Takeaway

Making alcohol from orange juice is simple, cheap, and fun. With just yeast, sugar, and a little patience, you’ll have your own homemade fruity wine in just a few weeks.

📖 Further Reading

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ferment shop-bought orange juice?
Yes, as long as it doesn’t contain preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, which stop fermentation. Look for fresh or long-life juice with no additives.

How long does it take to make alcohol from orange juice?
Usually 7–14 days for primary fermentation, plus 1–3 months of optional ageing for better flavour.

What yeast works best for orange juice?
Brewing yeast such as champagne yeast or a general-purpose wine yeast works best because it handles acidity well.

Do I need a hydrometer?
A hydrometer isn’t essential, but it helps you measure sugar levels and alcohol strength more accurately.

What strength will my orange wine be?
With added sugar, you can expect around 10–12% ABV, depending on how much sugar you include and how far the yeast ferments.

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