{"schema":{"type":"ModernMazerRecipe","version":"1.0"},"canonicalUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/spiced-cyser","jsonUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/spiced-cyser.json","slug":"spiced-cyser","name":"Spiced Cyser","summary":"A warming autumnal cyser built on wildflower honey and apple juice with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Bridges the worlds of cider, mead, and mulled wine. Targets 9% ABV with a semi-sweet finish. 5-gallon batch.","heroImage":null,"heroImageAlt":"A glass of amber spiced cyser beside fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and a honey jar","author":"Modern Mazer","publishedDate":"2026-09-13","updatedDate":"2026-09-13","testingStatus":"development","evidenceStatus":"editorial","difficulty":"intermediate","style":"Cyser","tags":["mead","cyser","apple","spiced","cinnamon","autumnal","five-gallon"],"targetBatchVolume":5,"targetBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","grossBatchVolume":5.5,"grossBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","expectedProductionLoss":0.09,"targetABV":9,"originalGravity":1.068,"finalGravity":1.004,"sweetnessLevel":"semi-sweet","carbonationLevel":"petillant","ingredients":[{"id":"honey","name":"Wildflower honey","quantity":7,"unit":"lbs","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"apple-juice","name":"Fresh-pressed apple juice (no preservatives)","quantity":3,"unit":"gallons","notes":"Must be preservative-free.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"water","name":"Filtered water","quantity":1.5,"unit":"gallons","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"cinnamon","name":"Ceylon cinnamon sticks","quantity":3,"unit":"each","notes":"Add in secondary.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"cloves","name":"Whole cloves","quantity":3,"unit":"each","notes":"Add in secondary. Taste daily — cloves extract very quickly.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"nutmeg","name":"Whole nutmeg, grated","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp","notes":"Add in secondary.","optional":true,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"fermaid-o","name":"Fermaid-O","quantity":8,"unit":"g","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"yeast":{"name":"Lalvin 71B","brand":"Lalvin","quantity":1,"unit":"packets","notes":"Partially metabolizes malic acid from apple juice."},"nutrientSchedule":[{"timing":"Day 0 (pitch)","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"24 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"48 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"1/3 sugar break","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"equipment":["6-gallon fermentation vessel","Secondary vessel","Airlock and stopper","Hydrometer","Thermometer","Sanitizer","Muslin bags","Auto-siphon and tubing","Carbonation equipment","Pressure-rated bottles"],"process":[{"step":1,"title":"Sanitize all equipment","description":"Prepare no-rinse sanitizer. Sanitize all vessels and tools.","note":null},{"step":2,"title":"Build must","description":"Dissolve honey in 1 gallon of warm water. Cool. Add to fermenter with apple juice and remaining water to 5.5 gallons.","note":null},{"step":3,"title":"Take OG reading","description":"Record original gravity. Target approximately 1.068.","note":null},{"step":4,"title":"Pitch yeast and nutrients","description":"Pitch Lalvin 71B. Add Day 0 nutrients. Ferment at 60–65°F.","note":null},{"step":5,"title":"Staggered nutrient additions","description":"Follow TOSNA schedule. Degas before each addition.","note":null},{"step":6,"title":"Monitor fermentation","description":"Check gravity every few days. Fermentation typically completes in 3–5 weeks.","note":null},{"step":7,"title":"Add spices in secondary","description":"Rack. Add spices in a sanitized muslin bag. Taste daily — cloves extract very quickly.","note":null},{"step":8,"title":"Remove spices and condition","description":"Remove spice bag. Condition for 2–4 months.","note":null},{"step":9,"title":"Carbonate and package","description":"Carbonate to approximately 1.5–2.0 volumes CO2. Package into pressure-rated bottles.","note":null}],"fermentationTemperature":"60–65°F (15–18°C)","fermentationTimeline":"3–5 weeks","conditioningTimeline":"2–4 months","packagingInstructions":"Ensure fermentation is fully complete before carbonating. Use vessels rated for carbonation pressure.","safetyNotes":["Never seal a bottle of mead that has not fully finished fermenting.","Apple juice must be preservative-free.","Cloves extract very quickly — taste daily and remove promptly.","This recipe produces a carbonated beverage. Use only bottles or kegs rated for carbonation pressure.","Sanitize all equipment that contacts the must or finished mead."],"scalingNotes":"Honey, apple juice, and water scale linearly. Spice additions do NOT scale linearly. Nutrient additions do NOT scale linearly.","version":"1.0.0","changeHistory":[{"version":"1.0.0","date":"2026-09-13","summary":"Initial record. Phase 4C Batch 8.","changedBy":"Modern Mazer"}],"relatedRecipes":["honey-cider-cyser","cinnamon-mead"],"relatedTutorials":[],"references":[{"title":"TOSNA 3.0 Nutrient Calculator","url":"https://www.meadmakr.com/tosna-calculator/","author":null,"year":null,"notes":null}]}