Sipping a refreshing glass of hard apple cider is like biting into a crisp, juicy apple on a cool autumn afternoon. Apples are the predominant ingredient in most of the hard ciders we carry at Columbia Distributing, but what about other fruits?
Using different fruits to make hard cider adds a unique twist to the traditional method, offering bursts of new flavors with every sip. Almost every fruit can be fermented to make hard cider – find out which are the most popular, then head to Columbia Distributing to find your favorites.
Raspberries and Blackberries
Hard ciders made from raspberries and blackberries are sweet and tart, tangy and fruity. They add a little zip to the customary flavor of hard apple cider, but are equally refreshing. Taste these berry flavors for yourself when you shop the hard cider brands we carry at Columbia Distributing, including Louis Raison French Cidre, 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Woodchuck Cider.
Cherries and Black Currants
Experience rich, full flavors when you pour a glass of hard cider made from cherries and black currants. The cider enthusiasts at the Bad Granny Hard Cider brewery know these flavors all too well, creating delicious black current and Rainier cherry hard ciders. Offering aromas of crisp apple complemented by the sweet-sharpness of cherries and tart berries, both of these ciders bring something new to the cider scene.
Pears and Pineapples
Nothing says light and refreshing like a juicy pear, or sweet and succulent like a freshly cut pineapple. Aside from dark red fruits and apples, pears and pineapples are among the most popular fruits for breweries to mix into their cider blends. Wyder’s Cider is just one of the many hard cider brands dedicated to delivering unique flavors through their ciders, including Prickly Pineapple and Pearsecco. Experience more of your favorite fruit flavors when you sip pear and pineapple ciders from 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Woodchuck Cider.
Try a New Cider or Two
Whether you’re a long-time cider drinker or exploring the beverage for the first time, fruit-infused ciders offer a new way to enjoy a timeless classic. Expand your palate with hard ciders made from any of these delicious fruits. For even more beverage options, from wine, beer and spirits, to water, wellness drinks and juice, browse our full list of brands today and contact us to place your order.
FAQs
Using fruit other than apples in hard cider is common and adds great additional flavor. Some of the more common fruit selections are pear, cherry, peach and pineapple. Other options include mixed berries, blueberry, mango, blackberry.
What happened to hard cider? ›
They also believed that cider could help treat and/or prevent illness. Unfortunately, the cider business suffered tremendously during Prohibition, with many apple orchards being burned to the ground. In the decades after Prohibition, hard cider never truly rebounded.
What is the most sold cider in the world? ›
Strongbow is the world's leading cider with a 15 per cent volume share of the global cider market and a 29 per cent volume share of the UK cider market. Bulmer's is a subsidiary of Heineken International, the multinational Dutch brewer who also own the sustainable cider brand Inch's.
What country drinks the most hard cider? ›
Cider (/ˈsaɪdər/ SY-dər) is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. Cider is widely available in the United Kingdom (particularly in the West Country) and Ireland. The UK has the world's highest per capita consumption, as well as the largest cider-producing companies.
How do you get more apple flavor in hard cider? ›
Adding apple juice concentrate will increase the alcohol content (see more on alcohol levels here) and also make your cider a bit less watery (increases the viscosity). Adding frozen concentrate can also add a little more 'apple' flavor.
What is the best sugar to add to hard cider? ›
If you want to boost it, you'll have to add some extra fermentables. Table sugar will raise the alcohol but it lacks character. I've had luck with brown sugar, Belgian candi syrup, dry malt extract, maple syrup, and even agave syrup!
Is drinking hard cider bad for you? ›
However, much like wine, cider is considered among the most healthful alcoholic options available. If taken in moderation, it can bestow many different health benefits: Nutrients: Freshly picked apples are used in cider production, so it's only natural that the product contains many nutrients.
What is the shelf life of hard cider? ›
While hard cider can be aged for years, it becomes drier as time passes, and the general shelf-life of cider is considered to be a year or two.
Why is cider not popular in America? ›
Thus, the temperance movement remains as a major culprit responsible for the decline of cider consumption in the U.S., but the association of cider with rural WASP culture was the added factor which distinguishes cider from beer or wine.
What is the best selling hard cider in the US? ›
With retail sales exceeding the 173 million U.S. dollar mark, Angry Orchard was undoubtedly the leading brand of cider in the United States in 2024. Other popular cider brands included Bold Rock, 2 Towns, and Schilling Cider.
“Crossover” Apples
In the French system, juice with high sugar and low acid and tannin receives its own category. The French cider groups are: sweet, bittersweet, bitter, and acidic.
Which country makes the best cider? ›
France is the world's largest producer of cider. Normandy and Brittany in northern France are the main producing regions, which have been producing the beverage since the sixth century.
Why does Italy not sell cider? ›
Well, you probably haven't; cider or 'sidro' in Italy is quite a rare sight, and there's one fairly unsavoury character to blame for this, and his name is Benito Mussolini… Among a few other ill-considered decisions, he forbade the fermentation of all other fruit other than grapes so as to support the Italian wine ...
Is cider healthier than beer? ›
Ciders are, in general, worse for you in terms of calories and carbs than beers are. With anywhere between 225-300 calories per pint, and even more for fruit variants (other than apple), cider can be significantly worse on the gut than beer.
What do you call someone who makes cider? ›
A cider maker manages the cider making process from sourcing raw materials through to ensuring the bottled product is safely dispatched from the cider house. A cider maker must understand all aspects of cider production including the pressing of fruit, fermentation process, testing of cider, bottling and sanitation.
What pairs well with hard apple cider? ›
The Ultimate Food & Cider Pairing Guide
- Squeeze. Tomato Based Dishes, Spinach Salad. ...
- Raspberry. Sweets, Chocolates. ...
- Berries. Soft Cheese, Crackers. ...
- Caramel Apple. Apple Slices, Ice Cream. ...
- Cranberry Orange. Grilled Meat, Pecan Pie. ...
- Original. Nuts, Sharp Cheese, Grilled Brats. ...
- Porch Sittin' Cinnamon. Donuts, Pear Slices.
These flavors include: Apple, pear, berry, pumpkin, honey, pineapple, ginger, strawberry, cherry, sour cherry, raspberry, cranberry, peach, black currant, grapefruit, and more.
What compliments cider? ›
Cider works well with most vegetables that are in season, and sweet ciders in particular are great when paired with roasted autumnal vegetables like onions or fennel. Cider famously pairs with cheese; cheddar is the most popular choice. However, cider also works very well with creamy cheese like brie and camembert.
