Apple Cider, also known as soft cider or sweet cider in the US, is a non-alcoholic beverage that is made from apples. This unsweetened, unfiltered drink with a little tanginess is quite popular in the United States and Canada, where it is used as an alternative for apple juice by various recipes. Both of them are labeled the same in these countries. However, the basic difference between cider and juice is that the juice has a nice transparent look, while the cider looks cloudy, as it is the unfiltered form of the juice. The cider can be mulled (spiced) as well as heated and is usually served during Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Apple cider has low shelf life; henc,e it is usually frozen for later use.
Origin of Soft Cider
Soft cider is native to United States and it is quite popular in the neighboring country of Canada as well. Though in the early days, straw was used to hold the pulp during the pressing process, it slowly progressed to a coarse cloth that was used for holding the pulp. However, with time and technological advancement, rotary drum breakers and small scale manual presses that looked like baskets were used. Today, the most advanced form of electric hydraulic equipment that has press cloths and polypropylene racks is part of most units that manufacture the apple juice and apple cider.
Process of Preparing Sweet Cider
Different blends of apples are usually used for making the juice and cider, as they give a well-balanced taste. Either heritage or heirloom varieties of apples are used for this process. Apples are washed, cored and then cut, which are then ground into a mash. This mash is wrapped in a cloth and placed on racks made of wood or plastic. These are then pressed with a hydraulic press to result in the release of pulpy, dark brown coloredcloudy juice of apples, which is collected in refrigerated tanks. The juice obtained from the mash of apples is known as cider. It tends to perish fast, hence, it needs to be refrigerated. However, even with refrigeration, over time, the cider would ferment and turn alcoholic and if stored longer it can even turn into apple cider vinegar due to acidification.
In England, this same unfiltered juice of apples is allowed to ferment to result in an alcoholic beverage that is referred to as ‘hard cider’. Hard cider is not used as a substitute for apple juice, as it contains alcohol.
Variations of Sweet Cider
Apple cider is referred to differently in different parts of the globe. While in US, the freshly squeezed cloudy non-alcoholic apple juice is referred to as cider; the same is allowed to ferment for a few days in UK, wherein it is known as “Hot Cider” or “Mulled Cider”. This is similar to the Wassail, a winter beverage that is associated with Yuletide.
Mulled Cider or Wassail – This is a popular drink of UK, especially in the South West and South East parts. The cider, spiced with orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, is heated to just below boiling point. This is a wonderful spiced up drink consumed during the winters of England.
Sparkling Cider – This drink is at times served as an alternative to champagne during celebrations. It is a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage that is made from filtered or unfiltered apple cider.
Recipes of Apple Cider
There are many drinks that use apple cider as one of the main ingredients. Some popular drinks are –
Alcoholic Recipes -
Hot Apple Cider Streudel – This is a wonderful winter drink that can be made with or without vodka. Cinnamon and caramel apple dipping sauce is necessary to make this drink. If vodka is being used, it should be in the ratio or 1:4 to that of cider. The mixture is poured into a shaker with ice and a dash of ground cinnamon is added for flavor. The contents are then microwaved until hot, while ensuring they do not boil. This drink is poured into a glass that has been rimmed with powdered sugar. It is served garnished with a little cinnamon and a slice of apple that has been coated with caramel apple dipping sauce.
Apple Cider Au Pear – This French drink is prepared in the same manner as the Streudel; however, vodka is replaced with brandy and pear brandy. A dash of nutmeg too is added along with cinnamon to spice up the drink.
Apple Pie Martini – This is an ideal drink for cold winter nights. It contains Navan Vanilla Liqueur and Belvedere Vodka along with apple cider. Cinnamon is added to spice up the drink and a dash of lemon juice adds a nice tanginess to the drink. All the ingredients are poured into a cocktail shaker with ice and then poured into a cocktail glass before it is served.
Cider Martini, Hot Buttered Cider, and Mulled Cider with Calvados, are other popular alcoholic drinks made with cider.
Non-Alcoholic Recipes –
Cider Snap – This is again a warm drink that is made by heating the cider with red cinnamon candies. It is important to not boil the contents, but ensure the candies dissolve in the cider. Once done, the steaming hot contents are poued into a mug and served garnished with thin apple slices.
Hot Spiced Cider – This drink includes fresh apple cider and a little maple syrup. Spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel are wrapped in a piece of cloth and dropped into the cider mixture. The contents are heated but not boiled. Once done, the spice bundle is removed and hot spiced cider is ready to be served.
Minted Cider Punch and Hot Raspberry Cider are some other popular non-alcoholic drinks made with apple cider.
Health Benefits of Sweet Cider
Apple cider is generally fortified with vitamin C. Other than this, apples are a natural source of boron and natural phenols such as chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and procynidins. They are excellent anti-oxidants that help in controlling cancer and Alzheimer.
Sweet Cider – Trivia
What is referred to as Apple Cider in the United States is actually unfiltered and unpasteurized apple juice that is non-alcoholic. The same, when fermented for a few days, is referred to as ‘Hard Cider’ in UK, Australia and New Zealand.