Our team of fall fanatics sampled 12 brands to find the best hard cider to sip beside the fire or while carving pumpkins.
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We love enjoying a light beer on a hot summer day or sipping sparkling wine to celebrate. But on a fall evening, there’s no beating a crisp cider.
Now more than ever, though, store shelves are teeming with cider brands! So how do you pick the best hard cider? You could go by the look of the label, opt for a familiar name or take some tips from our pros (we suggest the latter!).
Downeast Original Blend
Our top-rated pick in this test came in the form of an unfiltered cider: Downeast Original Blend.
When you pour this unfiltered cider into a tall glass, you’ll see that it has a slightly foggy appearance with plenty of bubbles. Its intriguing appearance had our testers eager to sip.
From the very first sip, this cider was a hit. It has a very pleasant fizziness and fruity aroma. As for flavor, “It’s really punchy and tart—but not too sweet,” says Editor Lauren Pahmeier. “It’s just right.”
This balance between dry and sweet—along with the light carbonation—made this cider the number one pick for every single tester. For that reason, we had to name this the best hard cider pick.
Pros
- Balanced dry and fruity flavor profile
- Light carbonation doesn’t inhibit drinking
- Pleasant and welcoming appearance
- Gluten-free and unfiltered
Cons
- Pricey compared to some other options
Blake’s Cider Co. Original
Ciders sometimes get a reputation for being too sweet. Let us assure you that ciders come in a wide spectrum from sweet to dry. If you prefer your hard cider on the dryer side, our team wholeheartedly recommends the original cider from Blake’s Cider Co.
This cider is wonderfully crisp and pale—and not sweet in the least. It has a light apple flavor with a slightly citrusy finish. Some testers compared this top cider pick to a dry white wine, so Sauvignon Blanc fans, take note!
In the words of Content Director Ellie Martin Cliffe, “This is one sophisticated cider!”
Pros
- Pale, crisp flavor is comparable to a dry white wine
- Citrusy finish adds to the drinking experience
- Cute, sweet design is visually appealing
Cons
- Not as fruity and sweet as other hard ciders
Angry Orchard Crisp Hard Apple Cider
Love the sweet flavor of traditional apple cider or juice? You’ll get that with Angry Orchard Crisp Hard Apple Cider.
“This cider has a sweet, juicy flavor that packs a punch,” says Ellie. She’s precisely right. Every tester noted how delightfully apple-forward this hard cider was. It’s the type of drink that has you dreaming of fall days and trips to the apple orchard.
While this sipper is tasty on its own, the sweetness makes it a great contender for cider-based cocktails like this Apple Cider Smash.
Pros
- Has the traditional sweet flavor of a classic hard apple cider
- Mixable, versatile formula can be used in multiple drinks
- Lightly carbonated for an easy drinking experience
Cons
- Overly sweet flavor may not be ideal for some drinkers
- Glass bottles can break or be hard to transport
1911 Original Hard Cider
All about the bubbles? So is 1911 Original Hard Cider. This drink gave our testers all the carbonation they could want. “This one is super bubbly—just like champagne,” says Lauren.
But this best hard cider pick is about more than just fizz. This beverage has a crisp apple flavor with some pear notes and a pretty pale color. It doesn’t lean too sweet or too dry, so it’s a great option to have on hand for fall parties or Friendsgiving.
Pros
- Flavored formula has crisp notes of apple and pear
- Balanced taste between sweet and dry
- Comes with a bubble, champagne texture
Cons
- Some drinkers may not like excess carbonation
- Flavor Balance: We sought ciders with a balance between crisp apple and acidic tannins for an enjoyable drinking experience.
- Appearance: We looked for ciders with a pleasing hue and plenty of fizz.
- Drinkability: Ciders should taste distinctly of apples—whether sweet or dry—but with a kick. We considered the apple varieties used.
- Package Quality: Durability for transport and low-waste packaging were priorities.
- Overall Quality: We ensured the ciders met industry standards and legal alcohol levels.
FAQ
What is the best type of cider to pair with food?
Dry ciders are best for food pairings because they balance flavors without overpowering the dish. A dry, unfiltered cider pairs excellently with cheese platters, artisanal sandwiches or roasted vegetables.
Are hard ciders gluten-free?
Most hard ciders are naturally gluten-free since they are made from apples, but some may use gluten-containing yeast. Always check labels if gluten is a concern.
What is the difference between apple cider and hard cider?
Apple cider is typically non-alcoholic and goes through a different fermentation process than hard cider, which contains alcohol, usually similar to the ABV of light beer.
