Ciders – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Alcohol

What are ciders?

Cider is an alcoholic beverage that results from the fermentation of unfiltered apple juice. Its alcohol content generally varies between 3-8.5%, but there are heavier varieties. Pears can also be turned into a drink known as perry or pear cider.

Next time you organize an alcohol delivery, try out different ciders as a fizzy companion to your favorite beers. In Europe, alcoholic cider is simply known as “cider,” but in the United States, it is called “hard cider,” as pressed apple juice from unpeeled fruit is often referred simply as “cider.”

Where did cider originate?

Cider as we know it originated in England, and some records indicate that the Celts produced it as far back as 3000 BCE. The drink was further popularized by introducing other varieties of apples via the Roman invasion of what is now Britain.

Commercial manufacturing of cider started in the 19th century, but there are records of household sales since the 18th century, with British counties such as Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Somerset being particularly fertile and prone to cider-making. Similar beverages were consumed in ancient times in the Middle East, Greece, and the Roman Empire. 

What is the nutritional value of cider?

Cider offers some nutritional benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. That said, cider is often naturally high in sugar because of how many apples are used.

How is cider made?

Different from apple juice, hard cider is made from the pressed juice of apples that haven’t been peeled. Once whole apples are crushed, they undergo a fermentation process that leads to cider’s characteristic fizziness, similar to that of a lager beer. Traditionally, the yeast needed for fermentation comes from the fruit itself, but mass producers add yeast throughout the process. Fizziness is produced through a method known as carbonation, whereby CO2 produces a sparkling drink.

Cider is best served cold, so if you are expecting a hot summer day, organize a same-day delivery or same-day pickup through Instacart. 

Do all ciders taste the same?

Like beer or wine, cider is a complex beverage with subtle but important variations to the nose and palate. Experts recommend that you test cider in a white wine glass, which allows it to breathe and brings out every hidden smell and flavor. Just like with wine, you need to swirl the liquid and smell it a few times before drinking it. 

The most delicate and expensive ciders are called vintage, and they specify the particular year in which the fruit was harvested. As vintage ciders age, they develop a darker, caramel-like color through a process known as browning. Other varieties include white cider, which is clear because the apple juice was clarified with activated charcoal.

Because European cider makers are bound by traditional methods and varieties, people are innovating in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa, where independent companies are exploring different apple varieties and other fruits and production methods. Look out for independent labels, as they tend to give a welcome twist to tradition and may offer a fresh taste.

Is cider gluten-free?

One of the benefits of cider is that it is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative to beer for those with dietary requirements. In fact, some traditional beer manufacturers, such as the Belgian company Stella Artois have released their own ciders, like the Stella Artois European Style Hard Cider.

What should I look for when buying cider?

The key to choosing the best cider is the ratio of acidity and tannins, and sweetness and bitterness that best suits your taste. Just like white wine, ciders can be sweet and juicy or dry and crisp (you might find a cider described as brut, which is the French terminology for dry).

The next time you get your groceries delivered through Instacart, you can easily add a variety of cider similar to your taste in beer or white wine. For example, if you love dry and crisp chardonnay, opt for dry hard ciders. If you are into fruity Pinot Grigio, this Cider is a good choice. Remember to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions through the “Instructions” option after you add a product to your cart.

How should I store cider?

You should store it in a dry, dark place, just like you would a bottle of wine, as both are made with fermented fruit juices. Once you decide to consume the cider, cool it in the fridge. Once cold, do not let it go back to room temperature, or the liquid will “burn”, giving it an overly bitter taste. Unless it is a vintage cider that matures as it ages, always consume cider by its expiry date as it can go flat or affect the flavors.

Can I use cider for cooking?

You can absolutely use cider for cooking, as it can bring a bittersweet touch to your dishes. Robust, wintery meals can benefit from the earthy taste of a good cider. Just like apples, cider goes particularly well with dishes that involve pork or chicken. Next time you make a pork roast, marinate the meat with cider overnight, as it will both give it that fruity sweetness and aroma and make the meat more tender (perfect for pulled pork recipes as well).

When used for cooking, opt for dry ciders as the sugars have already been fermented out, and you are left with a crisp and flavorful liquid that won’t overpower your dish with too much sweetness. If you have a bottle or two of cider that has gone flat, you can still use them for cooking. 

Cider is a versatile drink that will surprise you

Next time you are indecisive on what alcoholic beverage to order for pick-up or delivery, head to Instacart and be adventurous! Cider will appeal to both wine and beer lovers and is bound to become a staple in your bar or pantry.

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