Apple cider: everything you want to know

Apple cider is a fermented beverage made from apples that can vary greatly in flavor, alcohol content, and production technique. Here we answer the most common questions to help you choose, buy, and enjoy this refreshing drink.

Where to buy apple cider?

You can find apple cider in various sales points, depending on the type you are looking for:

• Supermarkets: often sell national and international commercial brands (e.g., Strongbow, Bulmers) and some craft labels.
• Wine shops and specialty stores: ideal for finding craft ciders and local products with detailed information on the production method.
• Farmers' markets and farms: many local producers sell their cider directly to consumers, often unfiltered or naturally re-fermented.
• Online stores and producers' shops: convenient for discovering regional specialties and having them delivered home. Always check shipping and delivery times for unpasteurized products.

What is the price of apple cider?

The price varies based on quality, size, production method, and brand:

• Budget/commercial range: about €1.50 - €3.50 per bottle (33–50 cl).
• Mid-range/craft: about €4 - €10 per bottle, often with more refined packaging and selected ingredients.
• Special or collectible ciders: can exceed €10 per bottle if they are limited editions, barrel-aged, or special blends.

The cost often reflects the quality of the apples, the care in pressing, and the choice to let it naturally re-ferment compared to industrial products.

What is the alcohol content of apple cider?

The alcohol content (ABV) of apple cider typically ranges between 3% and 8%:

• Light and sparkling ciders: 3% - 5% ABV, perfect as a refreshing drink.
• Traditional/craft ciders: 5% - 8% ABV depending on fermentation and the apple varieties used.
• There are also stronger ciders or those with additions (e.g., barrel aging) that can reach higher values, but they are less common.

What is the difference between apple cider and Strongbow?

Strongbow is a widely known international brand; the main differences compared to craft ciders are:

• Consistency: Strongbow offers a consistent taste in industrial production; artisanal ciders tend to vary with the season and apple blend.
• Sweetness and body: commercial products are often sweeter and more carbonated to appeal to a broad audience; artisanal ciders can be drier, more tannic, or complex.
• Ingredients and process: artisanal producers may use only local apples and traditional processes (pressing, spontaneous fermentation), while big brands may add sugars, flavorings, or more intense filtration.

What is "honey cider"?

The term "honey cider" can cause confusion. Here are the common definitions:

• Mead (often called idromele or "mead" in Italian): it is a fermented drink made from honey and water, not apples. It should not be confused with cider.
• Honey-flavored cider: this can be an apple cider with honey added to sweeten or flavor it; it remains a cider and not a true mead.
• So, if you’re looking for the real honey-based drink, look for mead or "mead"; if you want apples with a touch of honey, look for flavored ciders.

Practical tips for drinking apple cider

• Serving temperature: 6–10 °C for most ciders; more complex ones can be served slightly warmer to enhance their aromas.
• Pairings: fresh or aged cheeses, white meats, barbecue dishes, and apple desserts are great companions.
• Storage: if not pasteurized, consume by the indicated date and keep refrigerated; bottle-conditioned ciders can develop more gas over time.

A final tip

If you want to try a local cider, balanced between the sweetness and acidity typical of Piedmontese apples, consider tasting an artisanal option like

Conclusion

Whether you are new to cider or an enthusiast looking for something authentic, Mela Ebbasta by Eranomele is the ideal starting point: 100% Piedmontese apples, balanced between sweetness and acidity. Buy it online at Maltese.beer — shipping in 24/48h.