Hard cider has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Once America’s most popular alcoholic beverage, hard cider was overtaken by beer in the late 19th century. But thanks to the rediscovery of classic cider varieties and the innovativeness of modern cider makers, hard cider is back in a big way. With so many flavors and styles to choose from, what are the best flavors to add to hard cider?
Fruit Flavors
One of the great things about hard cider is that it lends itself well to fruit flavors. Since cider is made from apples, complementing flavors from other fruits can create tasty flavor combinations. Here are some of the most popular fruit flavors used in hard ciders:
Berries
Berries like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries add a pleasing tartness that balances the sweetness of cider. Berry ciders take on the color of the fruit, ranging from light pink to deep purple. Popular commercial examples include Angry Orchard Raspberry Cider and Bold Rock Carolina Apple & Blackberry Cider.
Stone Fruits
Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and cherries have enough sweetness to enhance the apple flavor in cider rather than overwhelm it. Peach cider is one of the most common, with a summery vibe.
Tropical Fruits
The tropical flavors of pineapple, mango, guava and passionfruit lend an exotic twist to cider. They add vibrant colors like orange, yellow and pink. The tartness of these fruits helps cut through the sweetness.
Pomegranate
With a tart but fruity flavor, pomegranate mixes well with apple cider. It brings a crimson hue and antioxidants. The pomegranate balances out the sweetness while providing a tangy zip.
Watermelon
This summer treat might seem unexpected for cider, but watermelon lends a refreshing melon flavor and subtle sweetness. The water content of watermelon also dilutes the alcohol level a bit for a lighter drink.
Spices
Warm baking spices are tailor-made for complementing the flavors in apple cider. Here are some of the most complementary spices to consider:
Cinnamon
This baking spice adds a familiar warmth, sweetness and touch of spice. It’s one of the most ubiquitous flavors seen in ciders today and for good reason – cinnamon simply tastes great with apples!
Nutmeg
Nutty and slightly sweet, nutmeg is another baking spice that feels right at home in apple cider. It adds layered flavors to the blend.
Ginger
Ginger packs some heat and also has a sweet, fragrant flavor. The zip of ginger can help brighten up the apple cider base.
Cloves
Used sparingly, cloves add a spicy, botanical accent and some warmth. The distinctive flavor plays off the apple notes.
Allspice
This single spice bud combines flavors of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and pepper. It’s a handy way to add baking spice complexity with just one ingredient.
Cardamom
In small doses, cardamom can provide a unique lemon-pine note along with aromatics. It makes for an interesting background flavor.
Fall and Warming Flavors
When making cider for the cooler months, robust fall flavors are right at home. These ingredients evoke cozy vibes that pair perfectly with cider.
Pumpkin
This fall favorite adds creamy richness and a familiar spiced flavor. Pumpkin cider drinks like liquid pumpkin pie. Brands like Angry Orchard Hard Cider offer seasonal pumpkin ciders.
Maple
Maple syrup adds elegant sweetness and warmth along with nostalgic flavor. Its caramel notes pair beautifully with apples.
Caramel
For an even more pronounced caramel flavor, you can add caramel sauce or flavoring. This adds buttery richness and depth.
Vanilla
Vanilla extract or beans infuse cider with aromatic vanilla undertones. Its inherent sweetness plays well in the blend.
Almond
The distinctive flavor of almond extract adds a fragrant, nutty accent and a hint of cherry, too.
Chai Spices
For a masala chai spin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and black pepper make a well-balanced blend.
Creative Flavor Ideas
In addition to classic flavor combos, creative new flavor pairings for hard cider are popping up. Cider makers are getting adventurous with unexpected ingredients resulting in totally unique flavor experiences. Here are some creative flavors that just might work:
Lavender
This aromatic flower adds an alluring perfume note. The flavor is floral and honey-like.
Honey
The sweetness of honey complements the apples beautifully. Clover, orange blossom and other varietal honeys each provide their own spin.
Chocolate
Chocolate might sound unlikely for cider, but it adds cocoa flavors that play off the tannins in apples. Brands like Angry Orchard have released chocolate-infused ciders.
Coffee
Looking for a cider cocktail idea? A splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua adds a sophisticated mocha flavor.
Tea
Herbal teas like hibiscus, rooibos or chamomile can provide floral, earthy or grassy notes when used to make cider.
Fresh Herbs
Herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme add subtle but complex flavors when used as infusions.
Chile Pepper
For some heat, a touch of cayenne, chipotle or your favorite spicy pepper kicks things up a notch.
Pairing Flavors with Cider Styles
When selecting flavors for hard cider, it helps to consider what cider variety you’re working with. Certain flavors complement the various cider styles better than others.
Standard Hard Cider
For regular hard cider that’s semi-sweet to dry, apple-forward flavors tend to work best. Good options include berries, stone fruits, pomegranate and classic baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These enhance the base apple flavor.
Fruit Cider
For ciders with added fruit juices or purées, complementary fruits work well. Try tropical fruits, berries, stone fruits and fruits with some tartness like watermelon to balance sweetness.
Hopped Cider
Since hops add bitterness and floral flavors, pair with fruits and spices that can stand up to those flavors. Citrus, pineapple, ginger and fall spices are good matches.
Rose Cider
For floral rose ciders, delicate herbs, vanilla, honey and berries add nice layers. Avoid strong spices that might overwhelm the rose.
Dry Cider
Extra dry ciders need a flavor boost – juicy fruit purées like mango, pineapple, berries and stone fruits liven things up. Clove, cardamom and vanilla provide interest.
Ice Cider
For the concentrated sweetness of ice cider, use bolder flavors. Warm spices, pumpkin, caramel and richer fruits like cherry and plum are delightful.
Flavors to Avoid with Cider
While cider welcomes many flavors, some ingredients don’t make the best pairing. Here are some flavors you may want to avoid adding to your cider:
Citrus fruits
Lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange tend to clash with apples rather than complement them. The acidity and citric flavors compete instead of blending smoothly. An exception is using just a small amount of citrus juice for acidity.
Coconut
Coconut flavoring tends to taste artificial rather than fresh. Subtle coconut could work but needs a delicate hand.
Banana
Banana tends to overpower cider, leaving you with more of a banana-flavored drink. But if you love banana, try it!
Strong Herbs
While some fresh herbs work well, others like rosemary, basil and sage can easily dominate. Stick to more delicate herbs.
Smoky flavors
Ingredients like liquid smoke, smoked sea salt and bacon introduce flavors that may clash with the apple and obscure it.
Chocolate mint
This can come off like an alcoholic York Peppermint Patty. The chocolate mint combo fights the apple rather than harmonizing.
Flavoring Methods
Once you’ve selected your flavors, how you add them impacts their intensity. Here are some techniques:
Fruit purée
Puréed fresh or frozen fruits add the most authentic, intense fruit flavor since you’re including the flesh. Bring to a boil and add when fermentation begins.
Fruit juice
100% fruit juices allow you to control flavor intensity. Add to taste post-fermentation.
Extracts and flavorings
Oils and extracts (like peppermint extract) provide concentrated flavor. Add drops at a time till desired intensity is reached.
Ground spices
For warm spices, stir ground spices into the cider post-fermentation. Use cheesecloth to strain out solids.
Infusion
Steep ingredients like fresh herbs, vanilla beans, peppercorns or aromatics in cider post-fermentation. Taste frequently until flavor is as strong as you like.
Syrups
Flavor syrups like maple, caramel or pumpkin pie syrup provide sweetness and concentrated flavor. Add to individual servings.
Flavored Cider Recipes
To inspire your own flavor experiments, here are some tasty flavored hard cider recipes to try:
Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard apple cider
– 3 cinnamon sticks
– 1 teaspoon whole allspice
– 1⁄4 teaspoon whole cloves
– 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
Instructions:
- Combine spices in a cheesecloth sachet.
- Heat cider just until steaming, then remove from heat.
- Add spice sachet and maple syrup. Cover and steep 20 minutes.
- Remove sachet and serve warm.
Raspberry Lime Cider
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard apple cider
– 1 cup raspberry fruit spread
– 1⁄4 cup lime juice
– Fresh raspberries and lime slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat fruit spread in a small saucepan until runny. Stir to combine.
- Mix fruit spread and lime juice into chilled hard cider until fully incorporated.
- Serve over ice with fresh raspberry and lime garnish.
Chai Spice Cider
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon hard apple cider
– 4 cardamom pods, cracked
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 teaspoon whole cloves
– 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
– 2 black tea bags
– 1⁄4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Combine spices, ginger, tea bags and 3 cups water in a saucepan. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved.
- Add concentrated chai mixture to chilled hard cider. Remove tea bags.
- Serve over ice with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Fun Ideas for Flavored Ciders
Beyond basic flavoring, there are lots of fun ways to enhance your hard apple cider:
Make cider cocktails
Spike your flavored cider with a shot of rum, whiskey or amaretto. Or create an autumn sangria by adding red wine and chopped fruit.
Play with garnishes
Make your flavored cider Instagram-worthy with garnishes like apple fan slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Mix sweet and dry ciders
Blend the flavors by mixing dry and sweet commercial ciders, then adding your own flavors.
Top with bubbly water
For a refreshing twist, top off your flavored cider with a splash of soda water or ginger ale.
Warm up cold weather ciders
Gently heat your cider and add mulling spices for the perfect winter warmer.
Make cider flights
Offer a sampler of different mini flavored ciders for guests to taste and compare.
Freeze into cidercicles
For boozy apple popsicles, pour your flavored cider mixture into popsicle molds and freeze.
Tips for Flavoring Cider
Follow these tips for the best results when adding flavors to your hard cider:
– Start with small amounts of new flavors and adjust to taste – you can always add more!
– Pay attention to balancing sweetness. Extra sweet flavors may require more acidity.
– Add acidic juices or tannic fruits before fermentation, sweeter ingredients after.
– Shake extracts and flavorings vigorously before adding – flavor oils may separate.
– Infuse delicate herbs for shorter time periods to avoid bitterness.
– When heating cider, use very low heat and stir constantly to avoid scalding.
– If cider loses carbonation from flavor additions, revive with a splash of soda water before serving.
Conclusion
The possibilities for flavoring hard cider are nearly endless! Fruits, spices, herbs and creative mix-ins can all complement the apple base in tasty ways. Just keep in mind the cider style and focus on balance. Tweak flavors to your own taste preferences for a personalized cider creation. Experiment, have fun and cheers!