Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple or cider apple juice, often with added yeast. It typically has an alcohol content ranging from 1 to 8% ABV and comes in various styles from dry to sweet.
How it is made
Traditional cider is made from special cider apples that have higher tannin content than regular eating apples. The juice is fermented with cultivated yeast or through natural fermentation. Some countries have legal requirements for minimum apple juice content, often 50%. The process can result in different colors including transparent, golden, greenish, amber, or brown varieties. Traditional cider may be unfiltered and appear cloudy due to sediment.
History
Cider has ancient origins, with references dating back to Roman times. It became popular in medieval Europe, particularly in Normandy and among the Basques in Spain. By the 13th century, cider was being sold in England. In the Basque region, it was considered a national drink as early as the 12th century. Traditionally, cider was a seasonal drink consumed in autumn, with celebrations held in many European countries. Wassail, a hot spiced cider, was consumed in England during the Christmas season.
Types and styles
Cider comes in various styles including dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet varieties. Some are carbonated while others are still. Mass-market ciders are typically made from concentrated juice and resemble sparkling wine. Traditional ciders use fresh apples and are often uncarbonated. Specific styles include Apfelwein from Germany, Basque cider, Scrumpy, and ice cider.
How it is served
Cider can be served chilled in various ways. In Asturia and the Basque region, it's traditionally poured from a bottle into a glass from a height of 60-80 cm. It's commonly enjoyed on its own but also used in cocktails such as Biggie Small Doors, Swish, Prohibition Apple, Autumn Sangria, Cranberry Beret, Diesel, Gramercy Tavern's Old Orleans, Kite Tail, and Watermelon Shandy.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Сидр, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of cider
Other styles
- Ice cider
- Plum jerkum
- Quebec cider
- Jillz
- Asturian cider (Spain)
Well-known brands
- Somersby (Denmark)
- Strongbow (England)
- White Lightning
- Magners
- Angry Orchard
- K
- Rekorderlig
- Woodpecker Cider
- Pomagne
- Diamond White
- Scrumpy Jack
- Old Rosie
- Merrydown
- Ace Cider
- Crowmoor (Finland)
- Happy Joe (Finland)
- 3 Hammers
- Black Star (United Kingdom)