Yes, you can! However the best way is to double the extract.
To tweak the ABV with sugar - you can either add less brewing sugar for a lower percentage or more for a higher percentage;
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) dextrose (monohydrate) brewing sugar is equivalent to approximately 2% ABV, so adding 500 g instead of 1 kg will knock off approximately 1% ABV, or adding 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) instead of 1 kg (2.2 lb) will increase by approximately 1% ABV.
- If sucrose sugar is used then 1 kg (2.2 lb) is equivalent to approximately 1.1% so the addition can be adjusted accordingly for the slightly higher ABV this type of sugar will yield.
We recommend using caution with adjustments more than approximately 1% ABV either way as this would upset the balance of sweetness and acidity that the cider is intended to have, which will begin to have a detrimental effect if the adjustments are taken too far. This can make the cider a bit thin with nothing to back up the alcohol.
Also, if fermenting to a much higher ABV the kit might lack the required level of yeast nutrient for fermentation to complete effectively.
- The best way is to double the extract or add liquid cider enhancer, this will result in a much tastier ‘hard cider’ with more apple alcohol balance.