As apples are picked their trees every year, we transform them into our favorite autumn snacks, from pies and donuts to candied apples and, of course, apple cider. The hard version of this timeless drink has been making a comeback in breweries and bars across the country, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than fall. Here, Columbia Distributing explains why you should be celebrating apple cider season with our beverages found across the Northwest.
A True American Legacy
Apple cider has enjoyed a long and noble history. It began on the British Isles in 55 BC, when the first Roman visitors found locals drinking a fermented apple beverage. Soon enough, the drink had spread across all of Europe and stayed there until the first colonists brought cider with them to America. Apples were much easier to cultivate than grain in those days, making cider the perfect alternative to beer.
Something for Everyone
Whether non-alcoholic or hard, cider is most beloved for its flavor. Though cider might seem similar to apple juice, the two are worlds apart. Apple cider is crushed from whole apples – peel and all – for a rich apple taste you can’t get in juice.
There’s more to cider than apples, especially when it comes to the hard varieties. Depending on the apples and the fermentation method used, ciders can have any of the following characteristics:
- Acidic
- Sour
- Dry
- Fizzy
- Sugary
- Tangy
Cider houses can also add other ingredients to the vat, including other fruits and spices, which yields a wide variety of flavor profiles for you to choose from.
Booze with Benefits
Cider is delicious, but did you know that it’s good for you, too? Among the different types of booze, hard apple cider is one of the best for your body. It’s made directly from fresh apples, and it has many of the same benefits as eating apples raw. In fact, a large glass of cider counts for two of your daily fruit servings. It’s also low in sodium and high in other valuable nutrients, including:
- Fiber
- Iron
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
The most important benefit of cider, however, is its high count of antioxidants. While an unprocessed apple keeps most of these in its peel, the pressing and fermentation processes release the antioxidants and preserves them in the cider.
Mixing It Up
Cider isn’t just delicious by itself. There’s a world of possibilities found in apple cider mixology as well. For instance, options from Crispin Cider Co. can yield wonderful sangria. Simply blend it with spicy ginger beer and white wine, and then pour it into a pitcher over thin slices of apple. Alternatively, Schilling London Dry Cider and champagne can make for a delicious apple mimosa.
Of course, autumn nights can get chilly. arabic casino Simmer Seattle Cider Pumpkin Spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and orange slices for a boozy mulled cider to keep you warm. For something a bit fancier, add brown sugar, rum, and a stick of unsalted butter for a hot, festive drink that’s ideal for crowds.
Find Your Favorite Cider with Columbia Distributing
At Columbia Distributing, we connect cider houses with retailers across the country so you can enjoy apple cider season wherever you are in the Northwest. Contact us to find out more about our alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options or to ask whether we distribute to your area.