Not too long ago, hard cider was considered a niche or novelty drink among American consumers, most of whom were more familiar with the non-alcoholic variety. However, the stronger, fermented apple-based beverage has surged in popularity, becoming a staple in store coolers and on shelves across the U.S. While once-booming segments like craft beer and hard seltzer have started to cool off, cider shows no signs of slowing down. According to Nielsen sales data via the American Cider Association, regional brands saw a 5.8% increase, and canned cider sales were up 7% year-over-year as of January 2024.
Despite its growth, cider is still in its "adolescence" as consumers explore the expanding range of options available. Part of this phase is due to varying liquor laws across the U.S., with some states categorizing cider like wine, limiting where it can be sold. However, this challenge hasn’t stopped brands from growing their presence, attracting new customers with innovative flavors and convenient packaging, such as 12-packs, making it just as easy to grab as your favorite beer.
Cider has also undergone a major shift in flavor. The overly sweet, mass-produced brands that once dominated the market are now facing competition from drier, more refreshing options that don’t overwhelm the palate. Whether you're craving a crisp cider with lively carbonation and a hint of ginger spice or something dry, fruit-forward, and affordable to swap in for a glass of sparkling wine, chances are you'll find several great choices at your local store.
One way to identify a great cider is by observing which ones are a hit at parties or gatherings. The ones that tend to disappear the fastest—and that I personally enjoy the most—typically have vibrant apple and fruit aromas, energetic bubbles, and a dry finish that keeps you coming back for more.
I recently picked up 10 promising varieties from different producers to find the best hard cider for fall. Here’s my take on each, ranked from my least favorite to the top contender.
Stella Artois Cidre
Nutrition (Per 12-oz. Bottle)
Calories: 180
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 65 mg
Carbs: 22 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 16 g)
Protein: 1 g
This cider, crafted by the renowned Stella Artois brewery, contains a relatively low 4.5% ABV. I purchased a 12-ounce bottle for $3.59.
The look: Packaged in a clear glass bottle, this "European-style cider" has a color remarkably similar to Stella's famous light lager. The understated label helps it stand out on the shelf amidst the more eye-catching cans dominating the cider market. Once poured, the bubbles activate quickly, though they fade fast, leaving a soft fizz that gently rises through the glass.
The taste: The first whiff presents a curious blend of cotton candy, hard candy, and an unexpected note of lager yeast, which I initially thought was just my imagination. Upon tasting, there’s a faint beer-like quality that muddles the experience, despite an overall sugary sweetness where the 16 grams of added sugar become more noticeable. However, a touch of acidity at the finish helps make it slightly more refreshing than your average mass-produced cider.
Ultimately, I couldn’t shake the odd mix of aromas and flavors that seemed to pop out of nowhere. It’s reminiscent of ordering a cider in a dive bar and having it served in the same unwashed glass used for beer. These aren’t the subtle, refined flavors one might expect from a quality cider.
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
Nutrition (Per 12-oz. Bottle)
Calories: 180
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 20 mg
Carbs: 22 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 18 g)
Protein: 0 g
This cider is produced by Boston Beer, the creators of the iconic Sam Adams Boston Lager. It contains 5% ABV and costs $3.59 for a 12-ounce bottle. The label boasts “two apples in every bottle.”
The look: When poured, this cider displays a warm, toasted gold color. It wasn’t overly foamy and didn’t develop much of a head.
The taste: The aroma is classic and straightforward, with the scent of freshly pressed apples taking center stage. On the palate, it delivers a sweet, candy apple-like flavor that edges close to the more sugary brands of the past. A hint of acidity provides some brightness, but the sweetness tends to dominate the finish, making it a bit one-dimensional. While not overwhelmingly sweet, it lacks complexity, which may appeal to those seeking a more middle-of-the-road cider experience.
Brlo Rosé Cider
Nutrition (Per 12-oz. Bottle)
Calories: 196
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbs: 5 g (Fiber: 0.2 g, Sugar: 4.8 g)
Protein: 0 g
This pink cider hails from Berlin, Germany, with a 4.5% ABV. The label boasts it's made with rhubarb, pomegranate, and apple wine—the German term for cider—with no additional additives. It cost $3.99 for a 12-ounce bottle.
The look: Brlo takes a modern, minimalist approach with its labeling, simple yet eye-catching. The clear bottle reveals a rosy pink cider, reminiscent of sparkling rosé wine. However, unlike rosé, this cider lacks any lingering mousse or active bubbles in the glass.
The taste: Once poured, the aroma is subtle, offering a candy-like scent more akin to fruit salad than fresh apples, though it doesn’t overpower. The first sip delivers a fruity sweetness, almost soda-like, though not overly sugary. The carbonation is bold, with large bubbles that tackle your tongue rather than the fine fizz found in more delicate ciders. Still, it remains bright and refreshing, avoiding the cloying heaviness common in mass-produced options.
Unlike other ciders, this one was available as a single bottle, so you don’t need to commit to a six-pack. For the price, it's a good deal for an import and pairs well with food, where its bold sweetness and full body can be balanced.
Stowe High & Dry Cider
Nutrition (Per 19.2-oz. Can)
Calories: 216
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbs: 9.6 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 0 g
This Vermont-made cider has a 6.5% ABV and comes in a generous 19.2-ounce can, making it a heftier option that could easily be shared. Despite the size, it only cost me $4.09.
The look: When poured, this cider displayed a bright yellow-gold hue with plenty of fine bubbles. Its clarity was striking, similar to that of a crisp white wine.
The taste: The aroma is pleasantly simple, featuring notes of orchard fruit and dried apple, but it’s subtle, not overpowering. This cider was by far the driest and crispest of those I sampled, with a taste that mimicked biting into an underripe apple, complete with the skin. It had a clean, crisp finish with a touch of intriguing minerality, almost like sipping a crisp sauvignon blanc—completely devoid of sweetness. While the dryness was refreshing and pleasant at first, I found myself wanting a bit more depth after a few sips. Nonetheless, I have to commend how well it masked the relatively high alcohol content.
Austin Eastciders Original Dry Cider
Nutrition (Per 19-oz. Can)
Calories: 240
I picked up a 16-ounce can of this Texas-made cider for $3.99. It has a 5% ABV and contains no artificial sweeteners. The brand is also known for offering smaller cans and mixed-flavor variety packs in many grocery stores.
The look: This Texas cider poured a very pale straw-yellow color, reminiscent of prosecco or champagne. It produced a fine ring of foam around the glass, which lingered for a while.
The taste: The aroma was subtle, with faint notes of sliced apple that required some coaxing to pick up. It was easy to drink and refreshing, with a crisp finish that I enjoyed. However, after a few sips, I found myself wishing for a bit more complexity in the flavor. It’s pleasantly far from the overly sweet ciders that can be off-putting, but I’d be inclined to try one of the brand's flavored varieties for a bit more excitement.
Downeast Original Blend
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 182
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 4 mg
Carbs: 16 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 16 g)
Protein: 1 g
I picked up a 12-ounce can of this 5.1% ABV cider for just $2.99. The company also offers a variety of core and seasonal flavors year-round, as well as 12-packs that are perfect for stocking up.
The look: Downeast cider stands out as an unfiltered option, pouring a bright, hazy pale orange into the glass. If you weren’t paying attention, you might mistake it for a mimosa.
The taste: The soft scent of crushed apple skins immediately reminded me of being under an apple tree, catching the unmistakable aroma of fallen orchard fruit. Upon sipping, I noticed its silky texture first, followed by carbonation that cuts through the ripe apple sweetness. It’s effortlessly drinkable, refreshing, and has a playful feel, perfect for brunch. This cider could easily serve as a "gateway" option for those new to the cider category.
Citizen Cider Unified Press
Nutrition (Per 16-oz. Can)
Calories: 180
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: n/a
Carbs: 14 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 12 g)
Protein: 0 g
I purchased a 16-ounce can of this Vermont cider for $3.99. With a 5.2% ABV, it's a relatively sessionable option.
The look: This cider poured one of the lightest and clearest in the group, a pale straw color, with plenty of fine bubbles dancing in the glass.
The taste: The aroma blends stewed apples with freshly crushed fruit, and that fruitiness carries through to the first sip, where notes of baking spice cut through a gentle sweetness, reminiscent of biting into a ripe apple. It’s not overly sweet, but balances a crisp finish with a medium-bodied fruitiness that’s pleasing and easy to drink.
While this cider isn’t overly complex, it excels in approachability, striking a balance that’s hard to achieve. Without any added flavors, it still evokes the essence of fall, which might be exactly what drinkers are after.
Aval Gold French Cider
Nutrition (Per 11.2-ounce Can)
Calories: 105
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbs: 7.5 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 7.5 g)
Protein: 0 g
This cider, hailing from the Brittany region of France, comes in a four-pack for $10.49 at my local Whole Foods, with a 6% ABV.
The look: True to its French roots, this cider pours a rich amber-gold, producing a quickly dissipating head of large bubbles. Eventually, a few trails of fine bubbles formed in the glass.
The taste: Despite being produced on a larger scale, this cider maintains the traditional qualities of Brittany. Its aroma is complex and earthy, with subtle notes of barnyard and dried fall leaves. My first sip had me reaching for another, with tart, juicy orchard fruit flavors perfectly balanced by fine carbonation and a crisp finish. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in exploring ciders from around the world, offering a unique and engaging experience in every sip. Despite its relatively high ABV, it remains highly drinkable and refreshing.
Wölffer Dry Rosé Cider
I picked up a 12-ounce bottle of this New York-made cider for $5.49. With a 6.9% ABV, it’s on the stronger side for this list but doesn’t feel overly boozy. It's also available in four-packs and 750-milliliter bottles at select retailers.
The look: The clear glass bottle reveals a cider that looks almost identical to a Provence-style rosé. Once poured, its pale pink hue becomes even lighter and more enticing in the glass.
The taste: Surprisingly, the aroma has notes similar to southern French rosé, with hints of stone fruit and delicate florals. If tasted blind, I might mistake it for a sparkling rosé. The fine carbonation is soothing on the palate, while subtle orchard fruit flavors create a crisp, complex profile. The finish reveals riper fruit, but it stays true to its "dry" label. This cider could easily substitute for a bottle of French bubbly at dinner, and I’m already planning to pack it for my next beach day.
Shacksbury Classic Dry Cider: The Gold Standard
Nutrition (Per 12-oz. Serving):
Calories: 140
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 15 mg
Carbs: 13 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 6 g)
Protein: 0 g
I picked up a 19.2-ounce can of this Vermont-made cider for $3.99 at Whole Foods. It has a sessionable 5.2% ABV and proudly claims to be "the gold standard for New England dry cider" on the back label.
The look: Despite being sold in a can, this cider pours a beautiful golden yellow with a lively stream of tiny bubbles rising to the surface.
The taste: If I were blindfolded, I’d swear I was about to sip a chardonnay based on the aroma alone. The enticing fruity fragrance draws you in, and the super fine carbonation hits your tongue immediately. Bright golden apple and crisp fruit flavors swirl around with impressive complexity, leading to a clean, refreshing finish.
I found myself sneaking extra sips throughout the tasting because I enjoyed it so much. At 5.2%, it’s as drinkable and sessionable as advertised, yet it boasts the elegance of a well-crafted wine. This will likely be my top pick for the next party I host—and I highly recommend you serve it, too.