Cider has undergone a fundamental transformation in the way it tastes, too.
Feel like sipping on a crisp cider with lively, tight carbonation and a subtle ginger spiciness?
Or want to swap in something dry, fruit-forward, and affordable for your glass of sparkling wine?
Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!
There’s likely more than one option at your nearest store!
I picked up a 12-ounce bottle for $3.59.
Ultimately, I couldn’t shake the strange aromas and flavors that seem to jump out of nowhere.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
I doubt this is the kind of nuanced flavors customers are looking for in a cider.
It’s 5% ABV and cost $3.59 for a 12-ounce bottle.
The company advertises that there’s “two apples in every bottle” right on the label.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
The look:This cider had a slightly richer shade of toasted gold when poured into a glass.
It didn’t appear overly foamy or create too much of a head.
Brlo Rose Cider
Thispink ciderhails from Berlin, Germany, and comes in at 4.5% ABV.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
It ran me $3.99 for a 12-ounce bottle.
And for the price, it’s not a bad deal for an import, either.
It still only cost me $4.09.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
The look:This cider poured a vividly bright yellow gold in the glass with plenty of fine bubbles.
I noticed a stark clarity similar to a glass of crisp white wine.
Still, I have to give it plenty of credit for how well it masks the relatively high booziness.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
Austin Eastciders Original Dry Cider
I grabbed a 16-ounce can ofthis Texas-made ciderfor $3.99.
It’s 5% ABV and contains no artificial sweeteners.
It produced a ring of fine foam around the sides of the glass that lingered for a while.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
You might assume it was a mimosa if you weren’t paying attention.
It’s a relatively sessionable 5.2% ABV.
It comes in at 6% ABV.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
A few trails of fine bubbles eventually started to form in the glass.
And despite its relatively high alcohol content, it’s still immensely drinkable and refreshing.
Wolffer Dry Rose Cider
I bought a single 12-ounce bottle ofthis New York-made ciderfor $5.49.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
It clocks in at 6.9% ABV, which is relatively high for this list but not overly boozy.
It’s also available in four-packs and 750-milliliter bottles at some retailers.
Its pale pink color becomes lighterand somehow even more alluringonce it’s in the glass.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
During my tasting, I found myself sneaking extra sips because of how much I enjoyed this cider.
It’ll probably top my list for what I serve at my next party.
You’d be wise to offer it, too.
Photo: Zach Mack, Eat This, Not That!
