When it comes to back sweetening cider, the amount of juice you use will depend on your personal preference for sweetness. It's important to note that adding juice to cider will also increase the volume of liquid in your keg, so you'll need to take that into account as well.
To start, I recommend adding about 1 quart of juice per gallon of cider. This will give you a nice balance of sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the cider itself. You can adjust the amount of juice based on your taste preferences – if you like a sweeter cider, you can add more juice, and if you prefer a drier cider, you can add less.
When choosing the type of juice to use for back sweetening, you have a variety of options. Apple juice is a classic choice that complements the flavors of cider, but you can also experiment with different fruit juices to create unique flavor profiles. For example, pear juice or peach juice can add a subtle sweetness and enhance the overall taste of the cider.
It's worth mentioning that the sweetness of juice can vary depending on the brand and variety you choose. Some juices are naturally sweeter than others, so it's a good idea to taste the juice before adding it to your cider to get a better idea of the level of sweetness it will contribute.
If you prefer a more precise method of back sweetening, you can also use specific gravity readings to measure the sweetness of your cider. By taking gravity readings before and after adding juice, you can calculate the amount of sugar being added and adjust accordingly. This method can be helpful if you want to replicate the same level of sweetness in future batches.
In addition to juice, you can also consider other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to back sweeten your cider. These can add different flavors and complexities to your cider, but it's important to note that they may also affect the overall taste and mouthfeel of the final product.
To sum it up, the amount of juice you use to back sweeten cider is a matter of personal preference. Start with about 1 quart of juice per gallon of cider and adjust to your taste. Remember to consider the sweetness of the juice you're using and be mindful of the overall volume of liquid in your keg. Happy brewing!