I mean you could but the flavor is not the same. Apple juice is from mashed, filtered and strained multiples times to removed the pulp and cooked at 190 degrees. Then in Apple cider apples that have have been mashed but have not been filtrated to remove pulp or sediment. Therefore rendering a cloudy caramel color juice. Lastly, when I use unpasteurized cider I use it within 2 weeks after opening.