What to Drink: Cider Recommendations

Sheer curiosity, often motivated by a desire to switch up their usual alcoholic beverage consumption, has driven more and more people to drink—cider.

“In 2022, we really saw an increase in interest in ciders,” says Jose Ulfe, former bartender, certified Cicerone (beer expert), and senior sales representative for Liquid Catering, a local event-based bartending company.

He says the requests started coming from those looking for a lighter option than beer and maybe lower in alcohol than another effervescent liquor-based beverage. Right about that same time, seltzers were really taking off as more breweries were offering additional options, but ciders—essentially wine fermented from fruit—continued to gain popularity without a big push and have only increased since.

A main factor was the shift in seasons at the same time drinkers were exploring their options. As summer’s sweltering heat gave way to the subtle chill of fall, ciders, which are predominantly made from apples, naturally became more attractive. “As summer winds down, we see an uptick in interest in ciders,” Ulfe says.

During apple season, many from the Upstate source their fresh-pressed juice from nearby orchards like Jeter Mountain Farm. There are also numerous alcoholic cideries in the Western Carolinas, such as Bold Rock Hard Cider, Botanist & Barrel, and Noble Cider, which produce ciders with the appeal of sour beers and the culinary compatibility of wine.

“They pair well with the cuisine in the fall,” Ulfe says, adding that being produced locally and regionally gives them even more appeal in the Upstate.

One local cidery, Distinct Cider Room in the Village of West Greenville, has ridden the wave of cider popularity, producing ciders in-house and sourcing local and domestic ciders to offer in its tasting room.

Sweet and Dry Ciders

Owner Derrick Cannon says he’s seen cider popularity increase as domestic cider production gets better and consumers learn more about the options. In-home consumption started to rise post-2020 with healthier options for regular consumption becoming a priority for many drinkers. The industry rose to meet the demand. “Now that there’s a craft to the cider game, a lot are less than 10 grams of sugar,” Cannon says.

He’s referencing a frequent complaint about ciders—that they’re loaded with sugar and too sweet. While there are plenty of sweet ciders on the market, the craft cider movement has pushed producers to ferment dryer ciders—often dry-hopped like a beer—that are lower in residual sugar and appeal to both wine and beer drinkers.

“People who drink beer will be like ‘Ah, that’s not bad,’” Cannon says about offering tastes of his house-fermented, dry-hopped cider.

While most of Cannon’s own ciders are effervescent, or sparkling, he will ferment small batches of still cider when the flavors call for it to give customers another option. During the summer months, ciders tend to include stone fruits and berries that match the season, and still or sparkling, they can be as refreshing as any other hot-weather favorite.

But ciders still tend to be fall-weather trendy, like beer. Ciders with flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are wildly popular as the weather cools and beverage profiles shift with the cuisine.

Cannon helps his guests choose ciders to pair with what they’re cooking at home, whether it’s a casual Saturday evening gathering or a holiday feast. Aside from encouraging them to feel the freedom to follow their particular palates, he says a dry cider or even semi-dry with only light carbonation will complement almost anything on the table.

“Pick a single varietal, wine-style,” Cannon advises. After all, “Cider is wine.”

Cider Cocktails and Mocktails

Cider can be the perfect base for fall-inspired cocktails and mocktails. Simple and versatile, they’re ideal for entertaining. Jose Ulfe shares five of the most-requested versions from Liquid Catering’s menu to spice up your fall gatherings. Recipes below make one drink; stir all ingredients together and serve over ice.

Sparkling Apple Berry Mocktail