Sparkling apple cider, also known as hard cider or alcoholic cider, is a carbonated alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. Unlike regular apple cider, which is unfiltered and non-alcoholic, hard cider contains about 4-6% alcohol by volume. Sparkling hard cider gets its bubbly effervescence from the addition of carbon dioxide gas during the fermentation process. While regular apple cider is a staple fall beverage, sparkling hard cider offers some unique benefits and uses.
Sparkling Apple Cider Nutrition
Sparkling hard cider contains nutrients from apples as well as alcohol from the fermentation process. In a 5 ounce serving, sparkling hard cider provides:
- Calories: 140
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Potassium: 2% Daily Value
- Alcohol: 5% ABV
The main nutrients in hard cider come from the apples used to produce it. Apples contain antioxidants like vitamin C, fiber, and polyphenol compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote gut and heart health. The alcohol content also provides some unique properties.
Benefits of Sparkling Hard Cider
Here are some of the top evidence-based ways that sparkling hard cider can benefit your health:
1. May promote heart health
Moderate alcohol intake has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. A review of 13 studies found that light to moderate beer, wine, and liquor consumption was associated with a 25–35% reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
This is likely due to increases in HDL (good) cholesterol and reductions in inflammation and blood clotting caused by alcohol. The polyphenols in apples may also improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
2. May reduce risk of stroke
Research shows a J-shaped association between alcohol intake and stroke risk, meaning mild to moderate drinking is linked to a lower risk. One meta-analysis of 20 studies found that mild drinkers had a 21% lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to non-drinkers or heavy drinkers.
Experts believe this is due to beneficial increases in HDL cholesterol and decreases in platelet aggregation that result from alcohol. Just 1–2 drinks per day seems optimal.
3. Supports gut health
The polyphenols and fiber in apples act as prebiotics, feeding healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome. This helps promote a diversity of beneficial microbes that reduce inflammation and support digestion and immunity.
Alcohol may also alter gut bacteria in ways that regulate weight and blood sugar levels. More research is needed on how sparkling cider specifically impacts gut health.
4. May help manage diabetes
Although excessive alcohol intake can disrupt blood sugar control, moderate intake may lower diabetes risk and improve insulin sensitivity.
A review of 16 studies found that mild to moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in both men and women.
Sparkling hard cider’s effects on blood sugar are likely due to alcohol’s impacts on insulin sensitivity as well as anti-inflammatory compounds in apples.
5. May support mental health
The alcohol in hard cider may also benefit mental health when consumed in moderation.
A study in over 7,000 older adults found that mild to moderate alcohol intake was associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of dementia.
It’s believed that alcohol supports brain health by increasing HDL cholesterol, reducing inflammation and supporting healthy blood flow in the brain.
6. May increase longevity
Given its association with a lower risk of common age-related diseases like heart disease, stroke and diabetes, it’s not surprising that moderate alcohol intake is linked to increased longevity.
In an analysis of 83 studies, consuming 2.5 beverages per day was linked to a 21% lower risk of mortality compared to never drinkers or heavy drinkers.
Sparkling hard cider is likely no exception when it comes to boosting longevity in moderation.
Using Sparkling Hard Cider in Cocktails and Recipes
In addition to drinking it straight, sparkling hard cider can be used to make festive cocktails or incorporated into recipes like:
Sparkling Cider Sangria
Mix sparkling hard cider with red wine, orange slices, apple slices, berries, and brandy for a refreshed spin on sangria.
Sparkling Cider Mimosas
For a boozy brunch beverage, combine equal parts sparkling hard cider and orange juice, then top with an orange slice.
Mulled Cider
Warm up with mulled hard cider made with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange slices.
Cider Vinaigrette
Whisk together sparkling hard cider, olive oil, mustard, and shallots for a tangy salad dressing.
Cider Chicken
Bring sweet apple flavor to chicken breasts, pork chops or wings baked with fresh hard cider.
Selecting the Best Sparkling Hard Cider
When selecting a sparkling hard cider, here are some tips for picking a high quality brand:
- Choose a cider made from 100% fresh-pressed apple juice, not from concentrate. This ensures the highest natural apple flavor.
- Look for ciders fermented from cider-specific yeast strains versus wine or beer yeasts.
- Select brands that use a blend of apple varieties which provides more complex flavor.
- Avoid ciders with added sugars, syrups, or artificial flavors.
- For drier ciders with more apple-forward taste, look for brut or dry varieties.
- See if the cider is made from local or American heirloom apple varieties.
- When possible, choose brands that use organic apples.
Paying attention to how the cider is made can help you find high quality, authentic sparkling hard cider.
Serving and Storing Sparkling Hard Cider
To maximize the flavor and bubbly texture of hard cider follow these serving tips:
- Chill hard cider to 40–50°F before serving for optimal refreshment.
- Pour gently into a chilled glass to prevent foaming and loss of carbonation.
- Use a wine glass or flute to highlight aromas – avoid wide glasses that can cause carbonation loss.
- Garnish your glass with apple slices or herbs.
- Enjoy cider within 1 year of bottling and consume within 3 days of opening.
- Refrigerate opened bottles and use cork to reseal them.
Properly chilling and storing sparkling hard cider keeps the bubbles and tastes at their best.
Potential Downsides of Consuming Hard Cider
While research shows health benefits associated with moderate intake, here are some of the potential adverse effects of drinking sparkling hard cider:
- Calories and carbs: At 140 calories and 13 grams of carbs per serving, hard cider packs more calories than wine or liquor.
- Dental erosion: Acidic beverages like cider may erode tooth enamel over time.
- Intoxication: Excessive alcohol intake impairs coordination, judgment and mental faculties.
- Addiction: Alcohol stimulates reward pathways in the brain that for some can lead to dependence.
- Liver damage: Heavy alcohol use increases risk of liver disease like cirrhosis.
- Certain cancers: Alcohol is considered a carcinogen and may increase cancer risk.
While an occasional glass of hard cider with a meal is unlikely to cause harm, excessive drinking can lead to health and safety issues. Moderation is key.
Who Should Not Consume Sparkling Hard Cider
Though moderate intake is linked to health benefits for many, certain populations should abstain from alcoholic cider, including:
- Individuals under age 21
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with alcohol use disorder or addiction
- Individuals with liver disease or hepatitis
- People taking medications that interact with alcohol
- Recovering alcoholics
- People with religious or cultural beliefs against alcohol
Those with health conditions like gut disorders, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases should also talk to a doctor before consuming alcoholic cider.
Guidelines for Drinking Sparkling Hard Cider Safely
To gain health benefits from sparkling hard cider while minimizing risks, follow these safe drinking tips:
- Stick to 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men. One drink = 5oz cider, 1.5oz spirits, or 5oz wine.
- Drink cider with food to slow absorption.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid excessive drinking by tracking number of drinks.
- Plan ahead for sober transportation – never drink and drive.
- Avoid binge drinking – limit to 1 drink per hour.
- Don’t drink if taking medications that interact with alcohol.
- Consult your doctor about cider intake if you have liver conditions or diabetes.
Prioritizing safety and moderation allows you to integrate hard cider into a healthy lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
When consumed in moderation, sparkling hard cider made from fermented apple juice offers a number of evidence-based health benefits. The polyphenols and antioxidants in apples, alongside the alcohol content, can positively impact heart health, diabetes risk, gut health, and even longevity. Sparkling hard cider can be used to make festive cocktails or livens up fall recipes when used in marinades, sauces, and more. Just be mindful of over-consumption and enjoy sparkling hard cider responsibly.