Hard cider is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world, yet many people are only now discovering it. Crisp, refreshing, and made from simple ingredients, it has earned a loyal following among both casual drinkers and craft beverage fans who want to visit local cideries. If you’ve ever stood in front of the cider section wondering where to start, this guide is for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Hard cider is apple juice that has been fermented so that it contains alcohol.
- People have been making cider for thousands of years, and it is enjoying a strong comeback today.
- Regular apple cider is non-alcoholic, while hard cider is fermented with yeast.
- Hard cider ranges from dry and crisp to semi-sweet.
- Most hard ciders are gluten-free, unlike most beers.
- The typical ABV of hard cider is 4–7%.
- Hard cider can include other fruits, but it must contain apples to be called cider.
- You can make hard cider at home with a few simple ingredients, or enjoy one made by the professionals.
What is hard cider?
Put simply, hard cider is apple juice that has been fermented and now contains alcohol. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars in the juice and turns them into alcohol. The result is a refreshing, crisp drink.
What is the history of hard cider?
No one knows exactly where or when hard cider was first made. However, there is evidence that the Celts were making cider from crab apples during the time of Julius Caesar.
Hard cider became very popular in the Middle Ages. It was the second most popular alcoholic drink of the era, trailing only ale. Cider was so valued that medieval people often used it as a form of currency.
When European colonists arrived in North America, they brought their love of hard cider with them. Many early apple orchards were planted specifically to produce apples for cider making.
Cider production declined significantly during the Prohibition Era. Today, however, hard cider is clearly on the rise again, with craft cideries popping up across the country and more varieties on store shelves than ever before.
How does hard cider differ from regular cider?
Regular apple cider is a non-alcoholic drink made from farm-fresh apples. The apples are pressed to release their juice, and no fermentation is involved. This sweet drink is especially popular in the fall, whether served cold or warmed up with spices.
Hard cider also starts with farm-fresh apples, but it goes one step further. Yeast is added to the pressed juice, and over time it converts the natural sugars into alcohol. That fermentation process is what makes cider “hard.” Unlike regular cider, which is mostly a seasonal treat, hard cider is enjoyed by people year-round.
Is hard cider sweet?
Sometimes. Hard cider comes in a range of styles, and sweetness depends largely on how much residual sugar is left after fermentation. Semi-dry and semi-sweet ciders have more residual sugar, which gives them a touch of sweetness. Dry ciders have very little sugar remaining, so they taste more crisp than sweet. If you’re new to cider, trying a few different styles is the best way to discover what you like.
How is hard cider different from beer?
Hard cider and beer have a lot in common on the surface. They are often both sold in cans or bottles, and they are usually shelved near each other in the liquor store. So what’s the difference?
The biggest difference is the ingredients. Hard cider is made from apples, yeast, sugar, and water. Beer is made from malted grains, hops, yeast, and water.
That difference matters for people who avoid gluten. Most beers contain gluten because they are brewed from grains. The majority of hard ciders, on the other hand, do not contain gluten, which makes cider a safe choice for people who follow a gluten-free diet. As always, it’s a good idea to check the label, since some ciders may include additional ingredients.
What is the typical ABV of hard cider?
Hard cider typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4–7%. That’s similar to many popular beers and lower than most wines. This moderate alcohol content is part of what makes cider such an easygoing, sessionable drink.
Can hard cider be made from things besides apples?
Yes! Apples are by far the most popular choice, but people have made fermented beverages from pears, berries, peaches, cherries, and a variety of other fruits. There is one important rule, though: for the finished product to be called cider, it must contain apples.
How do you make hard cider?
Hard cider only needs four ingredients: apples, yeast, water, and sugar (which is optional). Some people also add other ingredients for flavor, especially warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Here are the basic steps for making hard cider at home:
- Wash the ripe apples.
- Press the apples to extract the juice.
- Pour the juice into a fermentation container and add yeast.
- Close the container with an airlock, which keeps air and contaminants out while letting the gas from fermentation escape, then put it in a cool, dark place.
- Let it ferment. In approximately two to three weeks, the juice should become cider.
- If you want carbonation, transfer the cider to bottles and add a small amount of sugar before sealing them. The yeast will consume the sugar and create bubbles as the cider continues to ferment. Use only a little, since too much sugar can build up enough pressure to burst the bottles.
Of course, if you’d rather skip the equipment and the waiting, you can always let the professionals do it.
Where can I experience hard cider firsthand?
If you want to learn more about cider in a beautiful setting, consider a visit to Woodsong Acres. This bed and breakfast and cottage retreat sits on 46 acres near Lake Erie in Kingsville, Ohio. The inn offers four guest rooms and a private guesthouse, making it a lovely spot for a quiet countryside getaway.
Woodsong Acres will soon be opening its own cider house and winery. Keep an eye on our events calendar where you’ll find tastings. It’s the perfect way to deepen your appreciation for this historic drink.
