If you like cider you can brew hard cider for almost nothing in the winter time...
Get gallon jug of apple juice, pour out some to leave a three inch (about) gap.
Add a cup and a quarter (about) plain sugar.
Shake well, shake again.
Add 1/5 (about) packet of yeast, EC-1118, from a brew store.
Put the TOP ON LOOSE and set it someplace room temperature where you can see it.
After 2 weeks (about) set it outside in the cold, but protected from animals, leaving the TOP LOOSE.
After two weeks (about) bring it in leaving the TOP LOOSE.
After another week gently and carefully pour it into clean half-gallon or quart jugs-leaving behind ALL the stuff at the bottom to throw away- and put it in the fridge or outside if it’s cold enough.
Tighten the top after a day.
Your sweet sparkling hard cider is ready next day!
It’s easier and more efficient with a carboy, sanitizer, airlocks, siphon, etc. but you only spend about a half hour of time fooling with it and a buck on the yeast- which will make 4 more gallons too.
This was what I started with a few months ago. I haven’t gone to making beer yet but I’m doing a simple wine and will do a mead soon.
Love saving money while I learn and watching those yeasties bubble.
“... gently and carefully pour it into clean half-gallon or quart PLASTIC jugs...”
No use taking any chances!