Yahoo News Best ciders to drink this summer
The klaxon has sounded the start of summer and we deem the best way to celebrate is by cracking open a bottle or can of cider.
Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival and large gatherings may be cancelled for the foreseeable but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the carefree, festival spirit to the comfort of your home by recreating the atmosphere with the right beverage.
Alongside their tinnie cousin, there’s something about the taste of a cider that is synonymous with summer and the warmer weather.
To be considered a cider, the beverage must be composed of fermented apple or pear juice (at least 35 per cent in the UK) but can vary in colour from clear to cloudy, taste whether you prefer sweet or dry and given an extra special twist with unique flavour combinations and infusions. It can also only have the strength of 1.2 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) without exceeding 8.5 otherwise it is recategorised as a spirit.
Cider has been around for thousands of years and has become popular around the world peaking in summer months. It is a great gluten-free alternative to beer and is bursting with flavour.
We have gathered the best for you to enjoy this summer.
Rekorderlig Passion Fruit Cider
Long a festival essential, Rekorderlig know a thing of two about cider. First created in 1996, the brand has four generations of family-brewed cider under its belt using pure Swedish spring water.
This pear cider has a tropical twist, made with ripe passionfruit. It is best served over ice with squeeze of lime to maximise the crisp and refreshing flavour.
The brand also offer combinations of Blackberry & Violet, Strawberry & Lime, Spiced Plum, Wild Berries, Mango-Raspberry, Pear and a premium Dry Apple Cider.
Bulmers Red Berries & Lime Cider 500Ml Bottle
Bulmers has long been one of the best British cider brands on the market, and you'll most likely have tried the original flavour but have you sampled the red berries and lime? Becoming as popular as its predecessor it has a fragrant and fruity flavour with the sweet berry taste of raspberry, redcurrant and strawberry matched perfectly with zesty and fresh lime.â
Cornish Orchards Blush Cider England
Try something new with this unique cider infusion. Cornish Orchards is offering a classic sparkling cider made all the more fruity and vibrant with the aromas of raspberry and dessert apple.â
Sheppy's Original Cloudy Ciderâ
With six generations of cider making under its belt, Sheppy's know a thing or two about creating the perfect beverage. Their Original Cloudy Cider contains no artificial flavours or colours to create a lightly spritzy beverage that sits at the perfect balance of sweet and crisp.
The extensive range also includes infusions with Elderflower, Raspberry among many others.
Strongbow Dark Fruit 0.5%
Strongbow's Dark Fruit flavour has been the go-to drink for the rave culture for years and years. It is made up of the refreshing combination of apple cider, blackcurrant and blackberry juices but is offered here as a low alcohol alternative. Get your hands on the traditional iteration here as well as the Original, Cloudy Apple and Rose variants.â
Sandford Orchards Berry Lane Cider
If you're looking for a juicy beverage, you have come to the right place with this Devon-based brewery. Sandford Orchards creates its Berry Lane cider with a mix of apples, raspberries and the extra special addition of tangy berry that hit the palette first, followed by the classic cloudy apple taste.
Sample also the brand's Fanny's Bramble and Old Blossom varieties.
Old Mout Cider Pineapple And Raspberry
New Zealand-born brand Old Mout takes its inspiration from the great outdoors for its exotic flavour combinations, which include one of our favourites, the Pineapple and Raspberry cider. Created with a pineapple and raspberry juice blend, it combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with a light and refreshing touch.
Serve chilled and with a wedge of pineapple for the full holiday effect. Old Mout also offer Kiwi & Lime, Berries & Cherries, Strawberry & Pomegranate and alcohol free variations.
Rosie's Pig Rhubarb Cider
Rosie’s Pig Rhubarb Cider is made from freshly pressed Herefordshire apples with a hint of citrus and a subtle infusion of rhubarb juice that is not overpowering. Slowly matured and lightly sparkling, it has a unique flavouring that is both sharp and refreshing. It is suitable for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs. The brand also offers Cloudy, Raspberry and Strawberry flavourings too.â
Maison Sassy Cider Rosé
One of the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks on the market, the Maison Sassy Cider is handcrafted from apples organically grown in Château de Sassy’s Normany-based orchards.
The 100 per cent natural drink uses a secret composition of twenty different varieties of apple for a recipe that has been passed down through generations and does not include any additives or concentrates.
The range also includes La Sulfureuse, L'Inimitable, Brut, Poivre, and Le Vertueux.
Elk Warning Craft Cider Blackberry
For a cider that will give you instant summer vibes with the very first sip, you can’t go wrong with Sweden-based brewery Elk’s Blackberry flavoured beverage.
Made using the best quality apples that have been carefully selected and combined with Berries native to the Swedish forest, this fruity drink will make the perfect accompaniment to your warm weather plans.
The brand also offer a Wild Strawberries variety.
Brothers Toffee Apple Cider
In the cider game since 1658, the Somerset-born label Brothers use a blend of cream soda and toffee to create a unique flavour combination that really works.
The all-rounder Toffee Apple cider has a smooth taste with a rich creamy finish that will take you from summer to Halloween.
It has hint of cinnamon and cloves and is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Not your flavour? Sample the brand’s new Marshmallow or Tutti Fruiti flavours, or its more traditional Strawberries & Cream, Parma Violet, Rhubarb & Custard, Strawberry & Lime, or Wild Fruit.
Thatchers Rosé Cider Somerset
While Thatchers has been creating cider since 1904, the brand is constantly innovating and creating new flavours. One of the newer additions to its range, the Rosé Cider takes a sweeter approach to a traditional cider. It is made from a blend of naturally sweet, rosy-red dessert apples – Pink Lady, Fuji and Gala to be precise – and is brimming with delicious fruity flavour.
It is also gluten-free, and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
The brand's portfolio of flavours also include; Gold, Haze, Rascal, Oak Aged Vintage, Summer Vintage, Cloudy Lemon, Katy, Green Goblin, and an alcohol free option.
Pip & Wild Strawberry & Rose Suffolk
The Pip & Wild Strawberry & Rose cider takes fermented apple and combines it with strawberry juice, rose extract and natural strawberry flavour. One of the best lower calorie options with only 39kcal per 100ml, there are no artificial colours or flavours - it's also vegan and gluten free. There is also a Blackberry & Nettle alternative available.â
Kopparberg Premium Cider with Elderflower & Lime
This Kopparberg Premium Cider takes two of our favourite flavour combinations to create a light and floral tasting cider.
The fragrant beverage uses soft water that has been locally sourced in the town of Kopparberg for the definition of summer in a bottle. Add a squeeze of lime and serve cold. The brand’s portfolio of flavours also include; Strawberry & Lime, Pear, Mixed Fruit, âBlack Blackberry & Blackcurrant, Cherry, Passionfruit, Rhubarb, Elderflower and Lime, Raspberry, Blueberry and Lime, Pear and alcohol free and lower calorie variations.
Cranes Raspberries & Pomegranate Cider
Cranes take quality ingredients with the natural sweetness of fruit to create a light and crisp beverage with a raspberry kick. The delicious cider is also offered as Blueberries & Apples or Cranberries & Limes.â
Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider
New from the family-run cider maker Thatchers is what we're calling the easy drinking tipple of the summer: Cloudy Lemon Cider.
Made from Braeburn, Gala, Red Spur and Jonagold apples with a healthy squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the 4 per cent drink is a beautifully refreshing take on the summer staple. In fact, it's so different, you'd never guess it was cider if it wasn't for the label. We savoured it splashed over ice cubes with a slice of lemon for extra citrusy flavour.
£31.50 for a case of 24 | Thatchers
£5.50 for four 440ml cans | Tesco
Verdict:
Rekorderlig's Passion Fruit Cider is the established taste of summer. The refreshing and delicious beverage will transport you to tropical climes even if you're just staying at home.
