Apple Cider Complete Guide Types and Best Craft Ciders

Apple cider (or cider in English) is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of apple juice. Fresh, sparkling, naturally sweet or pleasantly dry, cider is experiencing a true revival, winning over craft beverage enthusiasts worldwide.

In this complete guide, you will discover everything there is to know about apple cider — from its millennia-old history to the best craft ciders to buy online with 24-48h shipping.

👉 Want to explore the selection right away? Go to craft ciders on Maltese →

What is Apple Cider: definition and characteristics

Apple cider is an alcoholic beverage obtained from the fermentation of fresh apple juice. Unlike beer (which uses grains) or wine (which uses grapes), cider uses exclusively apples as raw material.

• Raw material: 100% apple juice
• Fermentation: natural with yeasts (like wine)
• Alcohol content: 4-8% (similar to beer)
• Color: from straw yellow to golden amber
• Taste: sweet, semi-dry, or dry
• Naturally gluten-free — perfect for celiacs

History of Cider: from Celtic Origins to Today

The origins of cider date back to the Celtic peoples of Western Europe (Brittany, Normandy, England, Basque Country). In the Middle Ages, it became the popular drink in France, England, and Spain, perfected by monasteries. European colonists brought it to America, where by the 1700s every farm had its own apple orchard.

With the advent of industrial beer and American Prohibition (1920-1933), cider lost popularity. Since the 1990s, it has experienced a global revival: craft cider movement, rediscovery of ancient varieties, innovation with flavored and rosé ciders.

How Apple Cider is Made

The production process follows 6 stages: apple selection (blend of sweet, bitter, and sour varieties for complexity) → pressing (1 kg of apples = 0.6-0.7L of juice) → fermentation (2-6 weeks at 10-20°C with natural or selected yeasts) → maturation (in steel, wooden barrels, or bottle) → carbonation (natural or forced) → bottling.

Types of Cider: complete style guide

• Dry Cider — low residual sugars, dry and clean taste, pronounced acidity. Ideal for aperitifs or with savory dishes
• Medium Cider — balanced sweet-acid, fruity but not cloying. Versatile, all day
• Sweet Cider — sweet and fruity, lower alcohol (3-5%), easy to drink. Perfect with desserts
• Still Cider — non-carbonated, traditional English/French style, more intense flavor
• Sparkling Cider — natural or added carbonation, refreshing, ideal for aperitifs and celebrations
• Rosé Cider — made with red apples or red fruits, pink-amber color, fruity aromas
• Flavored Cider — with added fruit, spices, or herbs. Sweet and fruity, great for cocktails
• Ice Cider (Cidre de Glace) — frozen apples to concentrate sugars, sweet and intense (7-13%), similar to dessert wine. Perfect with desserts and blue cheeses
• Perry (Pear Cider) — made with pears, delicate and floral, less acidic than apple cider

Cider vs Beer: what’s the difference?

Cider uses apples (not grains), is naturally gluten-free, has a fruity and sweet/dry flavor versus the malty and hoppy taste of beer. Similar alcohol content (4-8%). Verdict: cider is fruitier and more refreshing, beer is maltier and more complex.

Cider regions around the world

• Normandy and Brittany (France) — the home of European cider. Cidre Brut, Demi-Sec, Doux. Tannic, complex, paired with crêpes and Norman cheeses
• England (West Country) — Dry Cider and rustic Scrumpy. Dry, tannic, still
• Basque Country (Spain) — Sagardoa, served "a la escanciadora" (poured from above). Still, dry, acidic
• United States — craft cider revolution, innovative and flavored styles
• Italy — emerging artisanal cider with Italian apples (Renetta, Annurca) from Trentino, Piedmont, Tuscany

How to recognize a quality Cider

• 100% apple juice — no concentrate, no added sugars, no artificial flavors
• Artisanal production — small producers, local apples, natural fermentation
• Transparent label — apple varieties, geographic origin, production method, alcohol content, residual sugars
• Natural appearance — straw yellow or amber color, clear or cloudy (both fine), aromas of fresh apple and flowers

The best craft Ciders to buy on Maltese

On Maltese you’ll find a curated selection of Italian and international craft ciders, with fast 24-48h shipping and secure packaging:

• Sidro di Mele Baladin — the quintessential Italian cider, produced by one of Italy’s most famous craft breweries. Fresh, fruity, balanced
• Sidro Spritz Baladin — the aperitif version of Baladin cider, perfect for happy hour
• Golden Hour Apple Cider — artisanal cider with a bright and fruity character, ideal for any time of day
• Pera Ebbasta — artisanal pear perry from Piedmont pears, delicate and floral. A rare find not to be missed
• Ananas Affittasi — pineapple-flavored cider, tropical and refreshing
• Purple Twist — rosé cider with red fruits, elegant and fruity
• Box Sidri Tutti Frutti — 12 cans — the ideal choice to discover different styles and flavors. Perfect as a gift or to start exploring the world of cider

Explore the full selection of Ciders on Maltese — buy online with 24-48h shipping →

How to serve and taste Cider

• Temperature: dry/still cider at 10-12°C, sweet/sparkling cider at 6-8°C
• Glassware: wine glass for premium ciders, tumbler for casual ciders, flute for sparkling ones
• How to pour: tilt the glass at 45°, pour slowly, straighten to create foam
• Tasting: observe color and bubbles, smell fresh apple and flowers, taste sweetness, acidity, and tannins

Food pairings with Cider

• Dry Cider — aged cheeses (Cheddar, Comté), cured meats, oysters, salads
• Semi-Dry Cider — roast chicken, pork, savory crêpes, pizza
• Sweet Cider — blue cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort), fruit desserts, apple pie
• Ice Cider — foie gras, blue cheeses, chocolate desserts

Homemade cider: is it possible?

Yes! You need 10L of 100% apple juice (no preservatives), cider or champagne yeast, a fermenter with airlock, and bottles. Process: add yeast to juice → ferment 2-4 weeks at 18-22°C → bottle → mature 2-4 weeks. Result: dry, still cider, 5-6%.

More convenient alternative: buy ready-made craft cider from selected producers. Order the Tutti Frutti Cider Box →

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Cider

Why is cider gluten-free? It is made only with apples, no grains — naturally gluten-free.

Does cider make you gain weight? A 33cl cider has about 180-220 calories, similar to beer. Sweet cider has more calories than dry.

What is the difference between cider and apple juice? Cider is fermented (alcoholic), apple juice is not.

Does cider expire? It should be consumed within 12-24 months of production. Premium ciders can age 2-5 years.

Conclusion: Cider, an ancient and modern drink

Apple cider is a fascinating drink that combines ancient tradition and artisanal innovation. Fresh, refreshing, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly versatile, it is winning over more and more enthusiasts worldwide.

Ready to discover the world of cider? Buy online at Maltese — shipping in 24-48h →