The Best Cider for Crisp Autumn Days

What better way to embrace the warm hues and cosy joys of autumn than with a crisp cider? For years, cider was underappreciated but now it’s back and a lot of that is down to the success and invention of flavoured ciders, many of which suit fall perfectly.

Original apple cider, whether hearty or light, still or fizzy, sweet or sharp, and everything in between, is also blossoming and we’ve picked out some ciders from both categories that, once you’ve had a sip by a roaring fire, will be the apple of your eye.

APPLE CIDERS

Thatchers Vintage

Thatchers recently revamped their Vintage and it’s all the better for it, with a new premium 8.3% appealing to seasoned cider drinkers. Entirely produced at Myrtle Farm, traditional bittersweet apples are pressed with lighter apples for a deep, full and rich flavour with crisp sparkle and medium-dry feel. Delicious to wash down a Sunday lunch, especially pork.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 8.3%
Find here: £2.35

Henry Westons Vintage Cider

We already shouted out this cider in our Best of British article, but it’s perfect for autumn so here we go again! Their vintage is one of, if not the bestselling cider in the UK, and for an 8.2% that’s impressive but when you taste it you know why. Medium dry, with a deep oaky flavour, it’s got an easy drinking mellow personality with a full-bodied mouthfeel. It’s unashamedly and unapologetically all about the apple too, with a slight tartness, gentle fizz and perfectly poised touch of sweetness.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 8.2%
Find here: £2.35

Armagh Cider Carsons Crisp

This Northern Irish cider was inspired by the crunch of footsteps walking on snow, so it set out to be crisp and fresh from the start. Made in County Armagh, Carsons Crisp represents great value with gentle, light cider that feels remarkably fresh but sleek also. The flavours are subtle enough to pair well with food too.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4.5%
Find here: £2.99

Burrow Hill Fermented Stoke Red

Burrow Hill has been an iconic site for cider production going back centuries and all this expertise has led to huge competition success, the epitome of which is this traditional method cider. Made from 100% Stoke Red apples in the depths of Somerset, its secondary fermentation is a year long giving time for woody spice to infuse with blood orange and dried apple. It’s bone dry, ripe, velvety and if you’ve never taken to cider before, then a premium beauty like this is a great way to give it a second chance.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.50

FLAVOURED CIDERS

Kopparberg Spiced Apple

This is one that comes in and out of stock which is strange because although it is seasonal, it goes down so well. The original Kopparberg apple is mixed with the winter warmer that is cinnamon to create a delicate yet intense woody aroma. The balance here is spot on, with just the right levels of sweet and spice and it’s another cider that you need to try warm on a cold autumn night – simply heat in a pan until warm but do not boil.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2

Brothers Toffee Apple Cider

Of course, when it comes to autumn, we can’t look beyond a Toffee Apple cider. If you really don’t get on with sweet ciders, then this may not be for you but a bottle of this around Halloween or on a brisk evening is delicious. The distinct toffee apple flavour is recognisable straight away, and mixing with crisp apple and cream soda, it’s so nostalgic. Brothers have also got a very appetising Hot Toffee Apple Toddy recipe here!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.45

Gospel Green Raspberry '17 Cider

This Hampshire cidermaker expertly make some delicious high-end vintages, such as their Brut, but for autumn their Raspberry 2017 vintage is the perfect match. The subtle sweetness of fresh raspberry decorates the robust apple foundation deliciously, transitioning from summer to autumn. Classy, unique, and refreshing.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.4%
Find here: £9.95

Napton Cidery Spiced Ginger Cider

Napton started as a simple hobby to avoid the village’s apples going to waste, but now their shelves are strained with awards and they’re making cider splash after cider splash. We could have easily recommended their dreamy blackcurrant blend, but then we heard about their Limited Edition Spiced Ginger. Infused with a mulled spice syrup, this still cider is brimming with cinnamon and ginger and even more so when served warm – though cold is delicious too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £10.70

If you want more cider recommendations, then check out our Best of British guide here!

6 Easy Apple Cider Cocktails for Summer

When you think of a cider cocktail, you probably jump to steamy autumn concoctions, but it’s actually perfect for adding gorgeous fruity depth to summer refreshers too! Bourbon, gin, wine... whatever your poison, check out how they marry cider for a moreish mix below!

Apple Cider Bourbon – for the bourbon lovers

A spin on the classic whisky sour, the caramel, vanilla, and spice notes from the bourbon meld with the hearty cider for an apple pie-esque delight. If your bourbon has a touch of sweetness to it, then the tartness of the lemon and cider will offset perfectly but add a little syrup if necessary. Bringing it all together is the egg white for that silky froth and after a sprinkle of cinnamon, voila!

Ingredients
35ml bourbon
80ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
1 egg white
10ml syrup (optional)
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Method
Shake up bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider, egg white and syrup if you prefer for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake it all over again until it feels chilled. Strain into a serving glass, dust with cinnamon and enjoy.

Cider 75 – for the gin lovers

Taking over effervescent duties from the champagne of the French 75 here is the cider, so make sure you get a bubbly one. Less floral and lighter than the original, this is a fruiter, zipper mix with punchy flavour. A good juniper-forward gin will match the lemon and apple flavours really nicely, or go fruit mad with a berried gin.

Ingredients
50ml gin
20ml lemon juice
80ml apple cider (bubbly)

Method
Ridiculously easy. Shake everything except the cider with a load of ice and fine strain, before topping up with the fizzing cider and gently stirring.  

Cider Spritz – for the sparkling wine lovers

This is a hearty twist on the summer classic, with Aperol’s herbal orange pairing up with a cider of your pairing – though we recommend trying Thatchers Blood Orange. Alongside your sparking wine, this will be sweeter than the original, with two loads of bubbles for complete refreshment. Orange notes, floral notes with a touch of bitterness – this is a summertime winner.

Ingredients
70ml cider (try Thatchers Blood Orange)
70ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or Caava)
20ml Aperol
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you have to do is combine and stir everything here (gently, don’t kill those bubbles!)

Cider Sangria – for the white wine lovers

This is a lighter, crisper, and less rich sangria compared to the usual mix. With earthy warmth, ginger beer and cider always go well together, and a nice dry acidic white (Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect) cuts through deliciously. A couple of different apples adds layers, lemon and orange brings fresh citrus and every sip is super comforting.

Ingredients (for a jug)
2 different types of diced apple
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced orange
250ml apple cider
250ml ginger beer
1 bottle of white wine

Method
The great thing about sangria is that it’s just combining everything into a big pitcher, so add everything in, give it a good stir and if you like, let it refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Top Tip: Roll the diced fruits in cinnamon sugar and leave overnight before adding!

Cider Margarita – for the tequila lovers

Most apple ciders have an earthiness to them that really sings with the earthy fresh agave of a blanco tequila. With lime and triple sec in the mix, this is one tangy Margarita, but with enough cider sweetness to balance the levels, and heaps of freshness.

 Ingredients
30ml apple cider
50ml tequila (ideally Blanco)
20ml lime juice
20ml Triple Sec
Sugar, salt and cinnamon (for rim)

Method
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, and roll it in the sugar, salt, and cinnamon mix. Shake all of your ingredients with ice and strain over the prepared glass and fresh ice. Vamos!

Orchard Martini – for the vodka lovers

Vodka is probably the most pairable spirit and it provides a great backbone to this cider cocktail that combines apple cider with Triple Sec and lemon juice for sweet tartness and intense fruity flavour. If you find that there’s not enough sweetness from your cider and/or vodka, then a little orange juice works a treat to sweeten the deal.

 Ingredients
40ml vodka
25ml Triple Sec
60ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
15ml orange juice (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon

Method
Super simple, just shake the lot with ice until it feels cold to the touch. You can add the cinnamon in at this stage, or sprinkle over at the end, it’s up to you but it does add a warm touch that works nicely.

Well, if you’ve eyed up one of these stunning cocktails, you’re gonna need the star of the show, so check out our Best British Ciders here!

Warm Scotch Cider

Colder days scream for warm, spiced cocktails to heat you up from the inside out so here is a gorgeous one to get you started!

Ingredients
1 gal. (16 cups) fresh apple cider
5 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
750ml whisky (we recommend Deanston 12)

Method
In a stockpot, gently heat the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. When the mixture is hot but not boiling, remove from the heat and add the whisky. Stir to distribute the spices and divide it between 20 mugs.

Like the idea of a cocktail but not this one? Then have a look at The Best Negroni Recipes or One Drink, Three Ways: X by Glenmorangie.

Apple Pie Cocktail

It’s getting around to one of our favourite times of the year! Fresh, Autumnal air, walks with the leaves crunching under your feet, a warm fire when you get home… oh, and a yummy apple pie cocktail to celebrate the season! Here’s how you can make yours… you’re welcome ;)

Ingredients

60ml Premium vodka
60ml Glen Moray Scotch whisky, sherry cask finish: ‘Elgin Classic’
230ml fresh apple cider or apple juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional rim:
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Honey

Method

1. Combine the sugar and cinnamon and place it on a shallow plate.

2. Rim 2 glasses with honey and dip them into the mixture.

3. Fill the glasses with ice.

4. Combine the vodka, whisky, and apple cider in a shaker and mix well.

5. Divide between the two glasses.

6. Garnish with sliced apples and a cinnamon stick if desired.

If you like the sound of this don’t forget to check out our Clover Club and The Daiquiri cocktail recipes too!