Beer and cider have their own set of audiences. Even though these are often found on the same menu pages and have similar alcohol content, we assure you that they sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. Comparing cider and beer is like comparing Stranger Things to Wednesday. They are both dark-themed, horror shows on Netflix, but the similarities end there. But how different can they be? Let’s find out.
Differences in Ingredients of Cider and Beer
Cider: Ciders are made of apple juice fermented for more than three months. They come in various flavors and styles that suit everyone. The alcohol content in ciders ranges from 4.5% to 12% ABV (Take that, beer).
Beer: Beer screams maize at the top of its lungs. It’s made from barley and usually takes 2-4 weeks of fermentation. The average beer contains about 4-7% of alcohol.
Yep, cider can beat beer in an alcohol-strength battle. Unless Beer decides to bring their Scottish family member to annihilate the bejesus out of cider. We’re talking about Snake Venom, the strongest beer known to man at a whopping 67.5% alcohol content. Cider does not even live in the vicinity. Just to give you a comparison, vodka, rum, and whiskey range between 40-50% ABV.
How Far Back Do They Go?
Cider: The first time cider came into the picture was in early 55 BC when Julius Caesar invaded Britain only to find them making cider-like drinks. He found the Celtic people fermented crabapples and took this idea all over the continent of Europe.
Cider was then modernized in the 13th century. The word cider comes from the Middle English words ‘cidre’ and ‘sicer’ which mean ‘strong liquor that comes from fruit.’ Such a fitting name! With cidermakers adopting the olden ways mixed with upcoming technology, ciders can now come in various flavors and alcohol strengths.
Beer: This one dates even further back, about 3000 years when written proof of the best beer recipe was mentioned in a poem made to honor Ninkasi, a Mesopotamian goddess. Chinese history dating back 5000 years also proved the beer-making process and was recorded on pottery.
During the olden times, people realized that almost all types of cereals contain sugar. With the wild yeast reacting to these sugars, the process of fermentation would spontaneously take place, and the beer-like liquid would be produced. Now, with modern technology, beer is properly fermented with carefully curated tastes and flavors.
Also Read: How To Make Hard Apple Cider At Home?
How Are Ciders and Beers Made?
Cider: The main ingredients in cider are ‘spitting’ apples, a specific type that is not meant for casual consumption. These apples are made into pulp before squeezing the juice for the fermentation process. The yeast converts natural and added sugars into alcohol.
Cider takes anywhere between 3 months to 3 years to ferment. The final stage of fermentation adds carbonation to the cider naturally. During the fermentation process, cider-makers often explore the flavors and style of cider. Each maker wants to make their process unique and the taste that follows is always unmatched!
Beer: It’s made of 4 main ingredients – barley, yeast, hops, and water. Brewers use the method of brewing to convert starch into wort (it’s a sugar liquid made from mashing the grains in hot water). And after filtering, the liquid goes for fermentation processing.
Beer fermentation occurs in two stages. Initially, fermentation creates most of the desired alcohol content. Once this process is complete, the beer is transferred to another vessel for secondary fermentation. During this stage, carbonation is typically enhanced by transferring the liquid into a pressurized vessel. On average, the entire process takes 2 to 4 weeks before bottling. So much faster than cider, isn’t it?
Do Ciders and Beers Have Different Tastes?
Cider: Since cider is made from apple juice, it is naturally flavored and is comparatively sweeter. It comes in three styles – dry, semi-dry, and sweet. So depending on your preferences and meals, you can take your pick.
Some cider makers also add other flavoring ingredients to make the taste unique. Some flavors we have heard of are guava, coffee orange, mixed fruit, and lemon.
Beer: Beer is naturally dry and unflavoured after fermentation. Hops, the flowering plant, adds to the flavoring. Depending on the brewing temperatures, beer can be categorized as lager and ale. Even though the well-known ones are mostly bitter-tasting, some brewers add spices and flavoring to craft beers.
Also Read: 5 Beer Cocktails You Can Make At Home
When Can I Have These?
While both alcohols are available all year round, the season-wise food pairing can work in your favor when it comes to taste and alcoholic buzz.
Cider: We have all heard that cider is the drink of the winter and there is a particular reason for that. Cider-making is a fall activity and it is served during the last few months of the year. During the making, cider is spiked with honey or other natural sugars to increase alcohol content. The sweet and spicy taste is added later and pairs perfectly with wintery cuisines. Plus, it keeps you warm!
Nowadays, cider makers keep these apples in cold storage to make cider in the summer as well.
Beer: While beer has become the icon for can-be-drunk-anytime kind of alcohol, beers have a light taste that tips to the drier side. It’s got such a spring vibe to it! Beer can also come spiced and heavy, which adds to the perfect fall weather. So choose your flavors wisely.
Is Cider Healthier Than Beer?
Cider: Since cider is made of apples, it contains an abundance of antioxidants and vitamins. One pint of cider contains about as many antioxidants as a glass of red wine. With a minor dose of Vitamin C, cider might be the healthier option. Cider is also gluten-free, just in case you were on a paleo diet.
Beer: Glad to see you still reading after we just claimed that cider was healthier. But let me tell you something. Come closer. Beer is lower in calories. While cider is filled with vitamins and minerals, the sugar content causes it to be higher in calories as compared to beer. It also lowers the risk of diabetes and has high levels of folic acid. This does not mean you can trade beer with broccoli! Have your leafy greens.
Which Brands Should I Try?
Cider: With cider growing to a new kind of rise, a lot of home breweries have commercially opened doors to consumers. Here are a few brands you can try. The cost ranges from INR 140-200 per pint.
- Moonshine
- Thirsty Fox
- Wildcraft
- Effingut
- White Owl
Also Read: Indian Cider Brands To Try On World Cider Day
Beer: We don’t think we need to suggest any places. That’s because beer is available almost everywhere. Yes, we know you are already thinking about your go-to right now. Let us open a window for a few classic brands anyway. The cost ranges from INR 95-200 per pint.
- Kingfisher
- Budweiser
- Corona
- Carlsberg
- Bira 91
- Heineken
Also Read: 5 Indian Beers You Probably Never Knew Existed
Summing Up
Whether you choose beer or cider as your go-to drink, you really can’t go wrong. Both have their advantages and health benefits and both can provide you with blinding buzz. All you have to do now is choose between the two and see how deep the rabbit hole goes!
FAQs
Is Cider Better For You Than Beer?
Both cider and beer have properties that are beneficial to health. Cider is an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart disease. Beer has calcium that is good for your bones. It lowers the risk of diabetes.
What Is The Difference Between A Cider And A Beer?
Cider is made of apple juice while beer is made out of barley or maize. Cider converts the natural sugars into alcohol. Beer is made by fermenting starch content in barley.
What Is The Healthiest Alcohol?
Red wine is the healthiest type of alcohol. Cider and beer follow wine as one of the healthier options. While cider is gluten-free and antioxidant, beer is low in calories and low in sugar.
Why Drink Cider Instead Of Beer?
Cider is antioxidant in nature and has a minor dose of vitamins. It is said that one pint of cider is equivalent to one glass of wine in terms of antioxidant levels.
Can You Drink Cider After Beer?
Cider after beer can make you sick. You can consume this the other way around. Beer after cider is a safer option.
Is Cider As Strong As Beer?
Cider is generally stronger than beer in terms of alcohol content. In beer, the alcohol content is 4-8% ABV, and in cider it ranges from 4.5-13%.
