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!