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Cider: Everything You Need to Know

DE: Zwei Cider-Gläser mit Birne, Rosmarin und Eiswürfeln auf dunklem Holztisch FR: Deux verres de cidre avec poire, romarin et glaçons sur table en bois sombre IT: Due bicchieri di sidro con pera, rosmarino e cubetti di ghiaccio su tavolo scuro EN: Two cider glasses with pear, rosemary and ice cubes on dark wooden table

Cider: Everything you need to know

Cider has been making a real comeback in recent years. Alongside classic apple wine, cider, cidre and other drinks based on apple and fruit wine are growing in popularity. What was once considered a traditional drink has evolved into a versatile trend drink thanks to modern recipes and new flavours.

But what exactly is cider? And how does it differ from apple wine? Here are the most important answers.

What is cider?

Cider is an alcoholic refreshment drink based on apples. It is characterised by its fruity, slightly tart and refreshing taste.

The base is apple juice that is fermented. Yeasts convert the natural fruit sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The result is a sparkling drink with a unique character between fruit and freshness.

Cidre, cider and sparkling apple wine – what’s the difference?

The terms are often used differently, but describe similar products.

Cider is the English term, while cidre comes from French. Both variants are based on fermented apple juice and are often referred to as sparkling apple wine or apple fizz.

For production, apples are pressed and the must is fermented under pressure – either in closed tanks or directly in the bottle. This is how the typical carbonation is created.

Is cider the same as apple wine?

No.

The most important difference lies in the carbonation.

Cider is sparkling and fizzy.
Apple wine is usually drunk still and without carbonation.

While cider retains its natural fermentation carbonation or has additional carbonation added, classic apple wine generally remains calm and less fizzy.

Does cider have anything to do with beer?

At first glance, cider is reminiscent of beer due to its colour and carbonation. That’s why it is sometimes colloquially called «apple beer».

In reality, however, cider has much more in common with wine than with beer. While beer is brewed from grain, cider is produced by fermenting fruit juice. Nevertheless, cider is particularly part of pub culture in Great Britain. In many traditional pubs, at least one cider can be found on tap alongside various beers.

How is cider made?

The production of cider follows a simple basic principle:

1. Harvesting apples
For many ciders, special apple varieties are used that are particularly aromatic, acidic or tannin-rich.

2. Pressing apples
The apples are processed into must and pressed.

3. Fermentation
Yeasts are added to the juice or natural yeasts take over the fermentation. Sugar is thus converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

4. Maturation
Depending on the style, the cider matures for several weeks up to twelve months before being bottled.

What flavours are there?

The variety of cider is great. The taste is primarily influenced by the apple variety used and the production process.

A basic distinction is made between:

  • Dry cider
  • Semi-dry cider
  • Sweet cider
  • Fruity cider with additional fruit aromas

As with wine, the producer decides when fermentation is stopped. This allows more or less residual sugar to be retained. Dry ciders often have a higher alcohol content, while sweeter variants taste more fruity and milder.

How do you drink cider correctly?

Cider develops its full aroma at a drinking temperature of 8 to 12 °C.

Depending on the style, it can be served in different ways:

  • Pure and well chilled
  • With ice cubes on warm summer days
  • In a wine glass for a particularly aromatic taste experience
  • Traditionally from ceramic cups, as is customary in parts of France

Cider is also excellent as an accompaniment to food. It harmonises particularly well with cheese, poultry, salads or light summer dishes.

Conclusion

Cider combines the freshness of apples with the elegance of a fermented fruit drink. Thanks to its sparkling carbonation, great variety of flavours and uncomplicated nature, it is enjoying growing popularity worldwide.

Whether dry or sweet, interpreted classically or fruitily – cider offers the right refreshment for almost every taste and occasion.

Served well chilled, cider is the ideal companion for relaxed summer evenings, convivial gatherings or simply for enjoyment at any time.