Crisp and refreshing, ciders these days are complex and have unique tasting profiles that (despite the name) don’t all taste like apple juice—if that’s what you were thinking. Ciders are great for any time of the year, but given the season, we’ve put together 10 ciders that are an absolute must for you to try.
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10 Hard Ciders You Need To Try
Nov 14, 2019
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Stem Ciders Off-Dry Apple Cider
Denver/Lafayette, Colorado
To kick things off, we’ve got a classic cider that has a distinct apple aroma, juicy and clean, with balanced acidity. Off-dry, as in not so dry. This is a no-frills cider that goes great with spicy curry, pork belly, tacos, and fish and chips.
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Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider
Sweden
This is a Swedish cider that’s a great blend of strawberries, a hint of lime and the freshest Swedish spring water. Enjoy this unique combo over ice with some mint leaves and a squeeze of lime for a refreshingly zesty finish.
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William’s Orchards Dragon’s Breath Ginger Apple Cider
England
Here’s a cider that has the flavor of delicious apples with a little bit of kick! Brilliant gold color with a supple, crisp effervescent. Just a hint of cinnamon, this has a spicy-sweet taste that begins tart and ginger burn finish.
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Stem Ciders Real Dry Apple Cider
Denver/Lafayette, Colorado
Alluringly clean and unassuming, this crisp and fruit-forward cider is crafted from Pacific Northwest apples. Tart, dry & clean, it allows the apples to speak for themselves. Try this with bbq, toast and jam, curry.
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Bembel-With-Care Pur
Germany
100% Apfelwein (dry cider) in its purest form. Made using only fresh apples from the famed Odenwald orchards, plucking them ripe off trees in the lush meadows of the Forest of the Odes in Hessen, Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany. This dry cider is made with 100% apples, nothing more.
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Perry Miloslawski Pear Cider
Poland
Perry is a traditional Polish beverage made from fermented pear juice. This semi-sweet perry has an exceptionally mild flavor that comes from local pears ripening in Polish orchards. This cider is light, sweet and sour, and is pleasantly effervescent.
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William’s Orchards Excalibur Hard Apple Cider
Herefordshire, England
This flavorful apple cider is overflowing with the taste and aroma of English cider apples. It’s slightly fruity and nicely balanced with a clean, crisp refreshing apple finish.
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4 Stem Ciders Chile Guava Apple Cider
Denver/Lafayette, Colorado
This is a spicy, off-dry cider infused with Guajillo chilies and tropical guava goodness. A hint of spice upfront, followed by flavors of sweet guava, this goes best with fall, football, enchiladas and ceviche.
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Aspall Dry Cider
Suffolk, England
If you’re just getting into ciders, this is a great one to start with! The perfect balance of fruit flavor and acidity, this has a dry, refreshing finish. Pale, golden color with a beautiful cider apple aroma and highly effervescent mouthfeel. Highly versatile, you can pair this with charcuterie, sweet & spicy and a variety of cheeses.
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Stem Ciders Pear Apple Cider
Denver/Lafayette, Colorado
Made with Bartlett pears from Colorado’s Western Slope. Rich golden hue, caramel and fresh fruit on the nose with a surprisingly tart finish. Partner this cider with pork chops, spicy Thai and lobster rolls.
Stem Ciders Cocktail Recipes
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz Pür Likör Williams Pear Liqueur
11/2 oz Argonaut Saloon Strength Brandy
2 oz Stem Pear-Apple Cider
In a shaker combine lemon juice, simple syrup, liqueur and brandy. Shake and strain into a collins glass. Top with 2 oz of Stem Pear-Apple Cider. Garnish with a sliced pear fan.
1/2 oz lime juice
3/4 oz Square One Ginger Syrup
2 oz Square One Organic Vodka
2 oz Stem Dry Cider
In a shaker combine lime juice, syrup, liqueur and vodka. Shake with ice Strain into Mule Mug or Collins glass. Top with 2 oz of Stem Dry Cider. Garnish with Dehydrated Apple Chip.
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
1 oz pressed celery juice
11/2 oz Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin
2 oz Stem Dry Cider
In a shaker combine lime juice, nectar, celery juice and gin. Shake and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with 2 oz of Stem Dry Cider. Garnish with apple chip and celery leaves.