Cider has been behind shadows of beer and mead, which has in turn led to this going unnoticed by most. But in recent years, cider has stepped out from behind the curtains and is rising in popularity. It has been the main focus of multiple festivals and events across the globe, including the UK, Canada, and India. In 2023, India hosted its first-ever cider festival, called In-Cider. The 3-day event invited more than 6 home breweries to showcase their cider-making skills to alcohol enthusiasts.
Want to know something cool? President Lincoln used to serve ciders during his days of bartending! Now, we have a lot of ground to cover, here’s everything you need to know about this interesting alcoholic beverage.
What is Cider?
Cider is an alcoholic beverage that is made from specific types of apples. These apples are first pressed and then fermented. Followed by the blending and stabilization process. Once that’s done, the end product gets bottled and becomes ready for consumption.
Don’t confuse this with the non-alcoholic apple cider, which is often referred to as soft cider. Hard cider or alcoholic cider uses the process of fermentation for at least three months and acquires 1.2% to 13% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) by the end of the process.
The Massive History Behind Cider
Hopping back in time, 55 BC is the first noted occurrence of cider being the beverage of choice among Romans. Julius Caesar attempted to invade Britain and found them doing the nasty (Oh, keep your dirty minds at home. We mean fermented crabapples).
Around the year 1066, the North Men, popularly known as Vikings, greatly changed the process of cider-making. Using advanced techniques, they made the production more efficient and flavorful. The influence was so dominant that the cider tradition still exists in Normandy.
By the 16th century, cider had reached a commercial platform and was thriving in Europe. And though cider had dropped in popularity by the 1980s, due to all the Viking movies and TV shows, cider had found its way on top.
What Does Cider Taste Like
Depending on the amount of sugar residue in cider, the taste can vary from extremely dry to sugar-sweet.
The Sweet Form
These often come from unfiltered apple juice. Barrel ones tend to have a smooth caramel and whiskey type of taste. You can enjoy this with a good warm brownie.
The Semi-Dry Form
This is the safe option that most newbies try. It’s slightly sweeter but remains dry overall. Add a little spice. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg make it a wonderful fall drink.
The Dry Form
This one is widely consumed all over the world because it pairs well with spicy and continental cuisines. The taste can be compared to beer or very dry riesling.
The Styles of Cider
Cider has a lot of scopes when it comes to flavors and alcohol content. Though the cider-making process remains somewhat similar, the style differs with the time and place of its origin.
Standard Styles
These are mainly divided into two – modern and heritage. While modern ciders are cheerful and light, heritage ciders are notably bitter and sharp tasting. These are readily available and are similar across most brands.
Specialty Styles
These are the most innovative types of ciders. From floral and fruity all the way to wooden, ciders have been experimented with almost everything edible. And the results could not get better. Ever heard of fruit ciders? These come in flavors like cranberry, cherry, and peach. Other types include hopped, botanical, spiced, wood-aged, rosé, New England, and ice.
From Apples to Alcohol: Production of Cider
Though cider is made from a specific type of apples, it is found that cider makers also mix eating apples to add more sugar content. These apples undergo a process of scratting, where they are crushed into pulp in cider mills.
The pulp is then squeezed to extract apple juice which is fermented in either open or closed casks or vats. The production of cider is similar to that of wine and requires the addition of “Crabtree positive” yeasts to convert the sugar content into dry alcohol. Cider fermentation is carried out in cooler temperatures, usually ranging between 4–16 °C.
It typically takes 3 months to ferment but some cider makers keep the fermentation going for up to 3 years. That’s a long time for sure!
The final stage of fermentation produces that carbonated buzz that we all know and love.
Also Read: What Is Mead Alcohol? Your Complete Guide
Can Cider Be Considered Healthy?
Since apples are the main ingredient, cider is highly antioxidant. This lowers inflammation and oxidative stress and can be associated with reducing the risks of heart failure. And if you’re looking for a vitamin fix, Cider also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.
We can finally agree. An apple (cider) a day truly keeps the doctor away!
Ciders to Try
Thankfully, ciders are easily available and are a cheaper alternative to beer. So why not try the ones we think are the best?
Here are some Indian ciders to get your taste buds tingling.
- Wildcraft Cider: The cost ranges between INR 140-180 and is available in Guava, Coffee Orange, Mango, and Apple flavors.
- Hapi Beer Co.: They have their very own restaurant in Bandra West, Mumbai that’s worth the visit! A glass will cost you INR 219.
- Thirsty Fox: These start from INR 300 and are available on multiple websites for online purchase.
- Doolally: Buy cider directly from their outlet. One liter bottle costs around INR 550.
- Drifters: They have a lot of local flavors that you can stock by the liter! The price starts from INR 575. Why not start with Kokum cider?
And some international ones.
- Strongbow Cider (No added sugar, baby!)
- Shacksbury Vermonter
- Angry Orchard
- Woodchuck
- Austin Eastciders
Also Read: Indian Cider Brands To Try On World Cider Day
Quick Facts at Your Service
Here are some cider-packed facts to impress your friends.
- The apples used to make cider are not meant to be eaten and are called ‘spitters.’ You guessed it right. The apples are so bitter, you’d spit them out.
- And if you’re on a Paleo diet, this drink is going to be your companion during the parties.
- Meet Cider’s coolest cousin, Applejack. The latter is made by freeze-distilling the apple juice, producing this brandy. It’s got a higher alcohol concentration and is much more flavourful.
- In the 14th century, people used cider for baptism. No, no one was drunk (we think).
And lastly…
- You can also make your own cider at home, if you’re feeling productive! Cider cocktails taste amazing!
Also Read: How To Make Hard Apple Cider At Home?
Summing Up
Cider is one of the explorative alcoholic drinks that can be found in most liquor stores. With so many flavor options, you will never find yourself getting bored of ordering another one.
Want to try for yourself? Make this your next DIY project and see where it takes you. Quick tip – add a touch of honey or maple syrup. It brings out the flavor (and the alcohol).
If life gives you bittersweet apples, you know what to do. Make cider and say cheers to the good ol’ times. In Phil Dunphy’s own words, “Like will be all Whaaat?!”
FAQs
What Kind Of Alcohol Is Cider?
Cider is made from fermenting apple juice. The alcohol content by volume is between 1.2% to 13% ABV.
Is Cider Stronger Than Beer?
Cider and beer have pretty much the same amount of alcohol percentage. Depending on factors like the fermentation process and additives, the strength of alcohol can vary.
Is Cider A Type Of Beer?
No. Cider is made from apples, whereas beer is made from barley, water, and hops. Both undergo a fermentation process that uses yeast.
Is Drinking Cider Good For You?
Cider has health benefits due to its antioxidant nature adopted from apples. Drinking a certain amount of cider can reduce the risk of heart disease. Cider also contains vitamin C which is good for health.
Can Kids Drink Cider?
Cider is an alcoholic beverage that should be consumed by adults only. Depending on the country, the appropriate age for drinking cider can vary.
Is Cider Hot Or Cold?
Cider is served cold. Pour cider the way you would pour wine and serve chilled.
How Is Cider Made?
Cider is made from fermented apples. These apples are not meant for eating due to their bittersweet taste. Apple pulp is pressed through a cider mill to extract juice that is then fermented. The fermentation process can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years.
Why Is It Called Cider?
The word cider first originated in Middle English as ‘ciser’ meaning strong liquor. Later, in the 14th century, the word ‘cidre/sither(e)’ was used to describe liquor made from fruits.
