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12 Refreshing Ciders to Try if You Don’t Like Beer
Oct 20, 2018
Fall tailgating, game night, and Halloween parties mean it's the best time of year to start drinking hard apple or pear cider, especially if you're not too keen on beer. Fairly low in alcohol and full of crisp bubbles, cider pairs well with most autumnal foods that you're feasting on this season. Read on for our fave bottles and cans right now.
Samuel Smith's Organic Cider ($3): This traditional cider hails from the oldest brewery in Yorkshire, England. It has a tart apple flavor, floral aromatics, and plenty of effervescence to stand up to rich, creamy dishes like fettuccini alfredo.
ABV: 5%
Austin Eastciders Spiced Cider: ($13) Featuring cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, this spicy option has a third less sugar than other ciders on the market. Your cozy casseroles and slow-cooked creations beg to be paired with it.
ABV: 5%
Gumption Hard Cider ($9): The Vermont cider meshes traditional dry cider apples with sweeter varieties for an easy-sipping drink. You can serve Gumption with anything from fruit desserts to stir-fried noodles.
ABV: 5.5%
Stella Artois Cidre ($8): This is like the light, classic lager of the cider world and is a natural match for chili, burgers, and other game-day foods.
ABV: 4.5%
Crispin Rosé Hard Cider ($9): A combination of apples, pears, rose petals, and hibiscus makes this California cider so pretty and pink. Try it with prosciutto-wrapped melon, chicken with sautéed apples, or focaccia topped with roasted grapes.
ABV: 5%
Ace Pumpkin Cider ($9): It doesn't get more autumnal than a bottled blend of apple and pumpkin (even if it does come from sunny California). A dash of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice completes the masterpiece. Drink this seasonal cider with roast beef and gravy, game meats, and roasted squash.
ABV: 5%
Virtue Cider Rosé ($10): There's no actual wine in the drink, just a pink tone and oaky aromas from aging in French barrels. Crack a can open alongside balsamic-glazed chicken or a veggie-loaded flatbread topped with feta.
ABV: 6.7%
Stem Pear Apple Cider ($10): With a round mouthfeel and tart finish, Stem's pear apple cider (made in Denver, CO) goes best with spicy foods and roasted pork.
ABV: 5.3%
Golden State Gingergrass Cider ($11): This off-dry California cider is charged with ginger and lemongrass. Thai food redolent with chilies and garlic or any takeout will enliven the cider's zestiness.
ABV: 6.4%
Wolffer No.139 Dry Rosé Cider ($15): Fermenting five types of apple with wine yeast, this exquisite cider from upstate New York is worthy of chilling in a Champagne bucket while you dine. Pair it with fish and let its delicate taste shine.
ABV: 6.9%
2 Towns Ciderhouse Pacific Pineapple Cider ($12): Not ready to give up on beach days? Every tropically infused sip of this pineapple-y cider from Oregon will make you feel like you're on a tropic vacay. Pair with sweet-and-sour chicken or tacos al pastor.
ABV: 5%
Anyday Rosé Cider ($32): This cider blends Paso Robles rosé, apple cider, and cascade and citra hops for a drink that can be dressed up or down for elegant cheese platters or chili dogs alike.
ABV: 6.9%
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