Beer Styles
Cider
Beer style guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Cider
- 3–8.5% ABV
- medium body
- low-medium bitterness
At a Glance
90–320Calories
3–8.5%ABV
low-mediumBitterness
mediumBody
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Cider?
Cider is fermented apple juice ranging from dry and crisp to sweet or tannic, with still, sparkling and oak-aged expressions.
Taste profile
low-medium bitternessmedium bodyAppleAcidicCrispSweetCider
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
StrengthSession – Strong
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style group: Cider
- ABV range: 3–8.5%
- medium body
- Body
- medium
- Sweetness
- medium
- Acidity
- low
- Apple · high intensity — Cider is apple-based.
- Acidic · medium intensity — Cider often has refreshing acidity.
- Crisp · high intensity — Cider is commonly crisp and refreshing.
- Sweet · low intensity — Cider can range from dry to sweet.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
How it’s made
- Method
- Apple juice is fermented by yeast into cider; sweetness, carbonation and ageing vary by style.
- Base materials
- apples, apple juice, yeast
- Fermentation
- Apple juice fermentation
- Ageing
- May be served fresh or matured in tank, bottle or barrel depending producer.
When to serve
Cider
Dietary
How Cider fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Not Keto
- Not Low-Carb
Also known as
Cider (common_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- American Wild AleSimilar sweetness (medium); medium body; shared acidic notes.
- Fruit BeerSimilar sweetness (medium); medium body; shared sweet, acidic notes.
- Pyment (grape mead)Similar sweetness (medium); medium body; shared sweet, acidic notes.
- Pastry SourSimilar sweetness (medium); medium body; shared sweet, acidic notes.
- Braggot (mead made with malt)Similar sweetness (medium); medium body; shared sweet notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Cider?
- Cider is fermented apple juice ranging from dry and crisp to sweet or tannic, with still, sparkling and oak-aged expressions.
- What does Cider taste like?
- Cider is often described as Apple, Acidic, Crisp, Sweet. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and brewery.
- What foods pair with Cider?
- Cider pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Pork, Salads. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- When should I enjoy Cider?
- Cider suits casual social occasions, food pairings and sessions where you want a flavourful but approachable beer. The style profile makes it versatile across a range of settings.
- What beers are similar to Cider?
- If you enjoy Cider, explore other beer styles with a similar bitterness and body rating using the sensory bars as a guide. Styles with a matching profile score will feel closest in character.
- What are some popular examples of Cider?
- Many breweries produce Cider across different regions. Seek out local craft examples for fresh flavour, or look for well-reviewed commercial options widely available in bottle shops and pubs.
Last updated
Style information is approximate and can vary by producer, region and recipe.