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Cider
Discover Cider: A Fruity Alternative to Beer
Cider is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting the juice of apples. Depending on the style, it can also include pears or other fruits, creating a refreshing drink that sits somewhere between beer and wine. Known for its crisp, fruity flavour and moderate alcohol content, cider is a popular choice for people looking for something lighter and less bitter than many beers.
While cider has long been enjoyed in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, and Spain, it is gradually gaining popularity in India through imported brands and a growing number of local producers.
Whether you're new to alcohol or simply exploring different styles, cider offers an easy and approachable drinking experience.
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What Is Cider?
Cider is produced by fermenting fresh apple juice using yeast, much like wine is made from grapes. Unlike beer, cider is not brewed from grains such as barley or wheat, and unlike spirits, it is not distilled.
The final flavour depends on several factors, including the apple varieties used, the fermentation process, sweetness level, and whether additional fruits or spices are added.
Most ciders contain between 4% and 8% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), although some traditional styles can be stronger.
Types of Cider
The world of cider offers a variety of styles to suit different preferences.
Dry Cider
Made with little residual sugar, dry ciders are crisp, tart, and refreshing. They pair well with savoury foods and are often preferred by experienced cider drinkers.
Medium or Semi-Dry Cider
These offer a balance between sweetness and acidity, making them suitable for most occasions and a great introduction to the category.
Sweet Cider
Sweet ciders retain more natural sugars, resulting in fruity, easy-drinking flavours that appeal to beginners.
Pear Cider (Perry)
Despite often being called pear cider, Perry is traditionally made by fermenting pears instead of apples. It tends to be lighter, floral, and delicately sweet.
Fruit Cider
Many modern ciders include flavours such as berries, mango, peach, cherry, lime, or tropical fruits to create vibrant and refreshing variations.
Sparkling and Still Cider
Most commercially available ciders are sparkling with natural carbonation, although traditional still ciders remain popular in some regions.
How Does Cider Taste?
The flavour of cider varies depending on the style and sweetness.
Common tasting notes include:
- Fresh apple
- Green apple
- Pear
- Citrus
- Honey
- Caramel
- Floral aromas
- Berry and tropical fruits (in flavoured ciders)
Compared to beer, cider generally has a smoother mouthfeel and a lighter bitterness.
How Is Cider Different From Beer?
Although cider is often displayed alongside beer in stores and bars, the two are quite different.
| Cider | Beer |
| Made from fermented apple or pear juice | Made from malted grains such as barley and wheat |
| Naturally fruity | Grain-forward with malt and hop flavours |
| Often gluten-free (check the label) | Usually contains gluten |
| Crisp and refreshing | Can range from light and crisp to rich and bitter |
| Fruit-forward aroma | Malty, hoppy or roasted aromas |
Popular Cider Brands
Some of the world's best-known cider brands include:
- Somersby
- Strongbow
- Magners
- Bulmers
- Kopparberg
- Rekorderlig
As India's cider market continues to grow, more imported and locally produced brands are becoming available for consumers to explore.
Best Food Pairings With Cider
Cider's natural acidity and fruit-forward profile make it one of the most food-friendly alcoholic beverages.
It pairs well with:
- Cheese platters
- Grilled chicken
- Fish and chips
- Pork dishes
- Burgers
- Wood-fired pizza
- Fresh salads
- Tandoori dishes
- Spicy Indian street food
- Apple pies and fruit-based desserts
Dry ciders generally complement savoury dishes, while sweeter ciders pair beautifully with desserts.
How to Serve Cider
For the best experience:
- Serve chilled between 4°C and 8°C.
- Use a cider glass, pint glass, or wine glass.
- Pour gently to preserve carbonation.
- Enjoy fresh while cold.
Is Cider Good for Beginners?
Yes. Cider is one of the easiest alcoholic beverages for beginners because it is:
- Fruity and approachable
- Less bitter than many beers
- Available in different sweetness levels
- Moderate in alcohol content
- Easy to pair with a wide variety of foods
If you enjoy refreshing, fruit-forward drinks, cider is an excellent place to start your journey.
Explore Cider Brands and Bottles
Browse our collection of cider brands and bottles to discover different styles, flavour profiles, alcohol content, ingredients, serving recommendations, and food pairings. Whether you're looking for a crisp dry cider or a sweet fruit-flavoured option, you'll find guides to help you make an informed choice.
Responsible Drinking
Alcohol should only be consumed by individuals of legal drinking age (18+ or the legal drinking age in your state). Drink responsibly and in moderation. Choosing not to drink is always a valid choice.
What Is Cider?
Cider is produced by fermenting fresh apple juice using yeast, much like wine is made from grapes. Unlike beer, cider is not brewed from grains such as barley or wheat, and unlike spirits, it is not distilled.
The final flavour depends on several factors, including the apple varieties used, the fermentation process, sweetness level, and whether additional fruits or spices are added.
Most ciders contain between 4% and 8% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), although some traditional styles can be stronger.
Types of Cider
The world of cider offers a variety of styles to suit different preferences.
Dry Cider
Made with little residual sugar, dry ciders are crisp, tart, and refreshing. They pair well with savoury foods and are often preferred by experienced cider drinkers.
Medium or Semi-Dry Cider
These offer a balance between sweetness and acidity, making them suitable for most occasions and a great introduction to the category.
Sweet Cider
Sweet ciders retain more natural sugars, resulting in fruity, easy-drinking flavours that appeal to beginners.
Pear Cider (Perry)
Despite often being called pear cider, Perry is traditionally made by fermenting pears instead of apples. It tends to be lighter, floral, and delicately sweet.
Fruit Cider
Many modern ciders include flavours such as berries, mango, peach, cherry, lime, or tropical fruits to create vibrant and refreshing variations.
Sparkling and Still Cider
Most commercially available ciders are sparkling with natural carbonation, although traditional still ciders remain popular in some regions.
How Does Cider Taste?
The flavour of cider varies depending on the style and sweetness.
Common tasting notes include:
- Fresh apple
- Green apple
- Pear
- Citrus
- Honey
- Caramel
- Floral aromas
- Berry and tropical fruits (in flavoured ciders)
Compared to beer, cider generally has a smoother mouthfeel and a lighter bitterness.
How Is Cider Different From Beer?
Although cider is often displayed alongside beer in stores and bars, the two are quite different.
| Cider | Beer |
| Made from fermented apple or pear juice | Made from malted grains such as barley and wheat |
| Naturally fruity | Grain-forward with malt and hop flavours |
| Often gluten-free (check the label) | Usually contains gluten |
| Crisp and refreshing | Can range from light and crisp to rich and bitter |
| Fruit-forward aroma | Malty, hoppy or roasted aromas |
Popular Cider Brands
Some of the world's best-known cider brands include:
- Somersby
- Strongbow
- Magners
- Bulmers
- Kopparberg
- Rekorderlig
As India's cider market continues to grow, more imported and locally produced brands are becoming available for consumers to explore.
Best Food Pairings With Cider
Cider's natural acidity and fruit-forward profile make it one of the most food-friendly alcoholic beverages.
It pairs well with:
- Cheese platters
- Grilled chicken
- Fish and chips
- Pork dishes
- Burgers
- Wood-fired pizza
- Fresh salads
- Tandoori dishes
- Spicy Indian street food
- Apple pies and fruit-based desserts
Dry ciders generally complement savoury dishes, while sweeter ciders pair beautifully with desserts.
How to Serve Cider
For the best experience:
- Serve chilled between 4°C and 8°C.
- Use a cider glass, pint glass, or wine glass.
- Pour gently to preserve carbonation.
- Enjoy fresh while cold.
Is Cider Good for Beginners?
Yes. Cider is one of the easiest alcoholic beverages for beginners because it is:
- Fruity and approachable
- Less bitter than many beers
- Available in different sweetness levels
- Moderate in alcohol content
- Easy to pair with a wide variety of foods
If you enjoy refreshing, fruit-forward drinks, cider is an excellent place to start your journey.
Explore Cider Brands and Bottles
Browse our collection of cider brands and bottles to discover different styles, flavour profiles, alcohol content, ingredients, serving recommendations, and food pairings. Whether you're looking for a crisp dry cider or a sweet fruit-flavoured option, you'll find guides to help you make an informed choice.
Responsible Drinking
Alcohol should only be consumed by individuals of legal drinking age (18+ or the legal drinking age in your state). Drink responsibly and in moderation. Choosing not to drink is always a valid choice.