What is Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider?
Non-alcoholic apple cider, also known as virgin or sparkling cider, is an unfermented apple juice product that tastes similar to traditional hard apple cider without containing any alcohol. It offers the flavor and experience of cider without the effects of alcohol.
Non-alcoholic ciders are made by pressing apples to extract the juice. The juice is then filtered, pasteurized, and carbonated before being bottled. Additional ingredients like sugar or syrup may be added to balance sweetness and mimic the mouthfeel of alcoholic cider, but without fermenting the beverage.
The alcohol-free aspect makes non-alcoholic apple cider an option for people who cannot or prefer not to consume alcohol for religious, health, or personal reasons. It provides the autumnal flavor notes of apple cider in a family-friendly beverage format.
Is Non-Alcoholic Cider Really Alcohol Free?
Yes, non-alcoholic apple cider contains no alcohol if properly produced.
Traditional hard cider is made by fermenting pressed apple juice, which converts natural sugars into alcohol. Non-alcoholic cider skips this fermentation process, retaining only the apple juice.
Federal regulations in the United States mandate that beverages labeled non-alcoholic or alcohol free must contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This trace amount comes from incidental exposure to alcohol during processing, but is negligible in the final product.
Reputable cider makers ensure their non-alcoholic ciders comply with alcohol-free guidelines through strict quality control and laboratory testing. Consumers can enjoy these ciders confidently knowing they do not contain any meaningful alcohol content.
Benefits of Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider
Drinking non-alcoholic apple cider offers several benefits:
Healthier Alternative to Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic cider eliminates alcohol, which can be harmful to health when consumed in excess. People avoiding alcohol for wellness reasons can still enjoy cider’s flavor.
Inclusive for All Ages
Unlike hard cider, non-alcoholic varieties can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. This makes it a fun beverage for family occasions.
Drivers Can Consume Safely
There are no safety issues with drinking non-alcoholic cider before operating vehicles or machinery. It will not influence or impair judgement.
Avoids Alcohol Interactions
Non-alcoholic cider prevents alcohol interactions with certain medications that advise against consumption. People taking prescription drugs can consume cider worry-free.
Accommodates Drink Preferences
Some individuals simply prefer to avoid alcohol personally. Non-alcoholic cider caters to their wishes while offering cider’s signature flavor.
Where to Buy Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider
Non-alcoholic apple cider is carried by many major retailers and available from cider producers. Here are some places it can be purchased:
Grocery Stores
Well-stocked grocery stores often have selections of popular non-alcoholic cider brands like Martinelli’s. These are usually shelved in the juice or soda aisle.
Big Box Stores
Retailers like Target and Walmart typically carry an assortment of non-alcoholic ciders. These are mass market options at affordable prices.
Cider Producers
Many cider makers offer non-alcoholic varieties alongside their alcoholic ciders. These can be bought directly from tasting rooms or online stores.
Liquor Stores
Even alcohol-centric stores stock non-alcoholic cider options these days. It caters to their sober and underage customers.
Online Shops
A wide selection of specialty non-alcoholic ciders can be found online from cideries that don’t have local distribution. These are shipped directly to customers.
Popular Brands
Some top-selling non-alcoholic apple cider brands include:
Martinelli’s
Martinelli’s is one of the most recognizable non-alcoholic cider producers. They offer several varieties like their classic sparkling and octagonal glass jug ciders.
Wyder’s
Wyder’s crafts pear and apple ciders in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Their alcohol-free cider has crisp apple flavor.
Angry Orchard
Angry Orchard’s cidermakers collection includes a bubbly non-alcoholic cider with apple and pineapple notes.
Crispin
Crispin makes a line of Fruitful non-alcoholic ciders using apple juice blended with real fruit juices.
JK’s Scrumpy
JK’s Scrumpy Farmhouse Series includes an alcohol-free Farmhouse Apple cider made from fresh-pressed apples.
Non-Alcoholic Cider Recipes
Non-alcoholic apple cider’s versatility lends itself well to recipes. Some recipe ideas include:
Apple Cider Sangria
Mix cider with orange juice, lemon juice, apple slices, berries, and spice syrup.
Spiced Cider Hot Toddy
Warm up cider with lemon, clove studded orange, cinnamon stick, and honey.
Cider Apple Moscow Mule
Combine cider, ginger beer, lime, and apple slices in a copper mug.
Apple Cinnamon Cider
Infuse cider with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Cider Spritzer
Create refreshing flavor combinations by mixing cider with fruit juices.
Making Your Own Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider
It’s possible to make basic non-alcoholic apple cider at home with minimal equipment:
Ingredients
– Apples – Mix of sweet and tart varieties
– Water
– Cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves (optional)
– Sweetener like sugar to taste (optional)
Process
1. Wash, core, and chop apples (leave skin on)
2. Add apples and water to pot, boil until apples are soft
3. Strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
4. Press apples to extract all juice
5. Add spices, sweetener, or other ingredients to taste
6. Chill cider before serving
No fermentation occurs, so the final product will be non-alcoholic homemade apple cider. For a clear, refined cider, additional filtering or clarifying steps can be performed.
Conclusion
Non-alcoholic apple cider provides all the satisfying flavor and experience of traditional hard cider without the alcohol content. Made by pressing apples and skipping fermentation, it offers cider’s taste in a family-friendly format. Non-alcoholic versions from major brands can be purchased at many retail outlets or made at home for those wishing to avoid or limit alcohol. With balanced sweetness mimicking hard cider and no safety concerns, non-alcoholic apple cider is a flavorful autumn treat for people of all ages to enjoy.