Crisp, juicy, and surprisingly versatile, hard cider is appropriate to drink year-round, although we particularly love sipping it as we transition from summer to fall. Thanks to its tart and refreshing flavor, lower ABV, subtle carbonation, and overall versatility, hard cider is also incredibly food-friendly and makes a delicious alternative to a more traditional bottle of bubbly for dinner parties or other special occasions.
What's more, the future of cider looks anything but basic, as more and more brands experiment with making cider from fruits other than the apple, like pears, black currants, and even strawberries.
From fruity and tart varieties to traditional dry blends, here are our seven favorite hard ciders right now.
Note: Some beer, wine, and spirits retailers listed below offer limited or seasonal delivery. Enter your ZIP code in the provided link to determine delivery zones.
Made with the juice from rare, red-flesh apples sourced from France and a kiss of hibiscus, this rosé cider from Angry Orchard is a party in a bottle. Similar in taste to a semi-dry wine — but with an added juiciness — this bright, medium-bodied hard cider is crisp, refreshing, and super food-friendly.
We think this rosy beverage tastes especially dreamy paired with a creamy goat's milk cheese, but it can be dressed up or down to go with virtually anything.
We love just about everything we've ever tasted from artisanal, Vermont-based cidery Shacksbury, but we're especially fond of their Semi-Dry Craft Cider, which you can conveniently buy in a canned four-pack for hiking trips or weekend hangs.
Robust, fruity, slightly funky, and significantly less sweet than most other brands, this cider can be sipped any time of day. Check out their new Lo-Ball Cider mini cans for a boozy, whiskey-inspired treat this fall.
3Austin Eastciders Blood Orange Hard Cider (6-Pack)
There are plenty of tasty seasonal flavors to choose from when it comes to Austin, Texas-based hard cider brand Austin Eastciders, but we love this Blood Orange variety for fall.
A tart, juicy, and bone-dry cider made from a blend of Italian blood oranges and bittersweet heirloom apples, this food-friendly hard cider is citrusy and refreshing.
Availability note: Use Austin Eastciders' store locator tool to find their tasty ciders near you.
This farmhouse cider from Michigan is boozier than most other brands with a 6.7% ABV. A blend of hand-pressed heirloom Michigan apples aged in French oak barrels, this cider is made similarly to a wine and has a crisp, dry finish.
We think this refreshing hard cider tastes delicious served with brunch, on picnics, or served alongside your cheese and small bites at backyard dinner parties.
Made exclusively from New York state apples, this light and crisp hard cider has a gorgeous blush pink hue and a delicate, floral, slightly tart taste. You'll want to sip this all season long, as it's super refreshing and versatile enough for any occasion.
We particularly love pairing these hard ciders with our favorite cheeses or charcuterie when guests come over.
Availability note: Use Wölffer's online shop to purchase their tasty ciders directly. Currently only available for shipping in New York state.
This hard cider from Swedish brand Rekorderlig is bursting with the flavor of ripe, juicy pears with just a touch of tartness. Serve it over ice with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and get ready to relax. This cider also tastes delicious paired with fruit-filled pastries and dessert.
Arguably the most recognizable and widely available cider in the world, England's Strongbow is a classically dry and tasty little number. Serve this hard cider in a pint glass over ice and stock up for your upcoming rooftop hangs.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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