Cider Serving Size(s)
What is the appropriate cider serving size? How to impress your guests!
There are a couple of things to consider when figuring out the best pour size for cider. The ABV, the sweetness level (Residual sugar left in the cider or RS) and if it's a still or sparkling cider. All of these factors play a roll. Selecting the right glassware for cider is also something to consider (but we will address this is a separate piece).
ABV
Some ciders chime in at higher alcohol levels, which would mean a more subtle pour. At Botanist & Barrel we normally land around 8% abv so we find that a 6-8oz pour is a perfect serving size. It also allows your guests room to enjoy a second beverage. If you are pouring a lower abv or “sessionable cider” say 4.5%-6% you could go ahead and serve 12-16 ounces in a single pour. If you are drinking a dessert or aperitif cider that is high abv, 10-16%, or a fortified cider like a pommeau, we suggest you serve a 2.5 oz pour.
Residual Sugar (RS)
How much sugar is left behind in the cider should also be taken into consideration for pouring size. Bone-dry (no residual sugar) ciders can be poured freely as the acidity will keep your palate refreshed and wanting more, especially when paired with the right foods. High sugar levels, especially dessert wines that are also higher abv, will mean you will want to pour in smaller quantities to avoid palate fatigue and a hangover.
Still vs Sparkling
Still ciders can be beautiful expressions of the fruit showing off the elegance and nuances of the apples or other fruits used. Sparkling ciders are lively and refreshing expressions that dance on your tongue. We started out making only still ciders at Botanist and Barrel because we found it was an expression of cider that had almost completely died off in the US. They tend to be more complex & sophisticated like a fine wine and warrant sipping and enjoying with a meal, which is why we suggest still cider be treated the same as you would a glass of white wine. So look for a 6oz pour here. Sparkling ciders on the other hand can warrant slightly larger pours, while keeping abv and RS in consideration.
Vintage Glassware
On to some examples!
Ginger Champagne from Urban Orchard Cider Company
Specs:
ABV: 6.5%
RS: semi- dry (3-6 grams of sugar per serving)
Still vs Sparkling: Sparkling
Cider Serving Size:12 oz
Cider Description:
Ginger champagne has a perfect kick of ginger that complements the medium dry cider. It’s easy drinking and crushable but since it comes in at 6.5% you’ll want a slightly smaller pour than a pint.
Less is More Pet Nat Cider
from Botanist and Barrel
Specs:
ABV: 8%
RS: (Varies from zero to .5gram/liter)
Still or Sparkling:: naturally effervescent
Cider Serving Size: 8oz
Description: Less is More is a bright, zippy, refreshing cider. It’s sophisticated, yet raw. Pairs well with almost anything.
Heirloom Blend Ice Cider by Eden Cider
Specs:
ABV: 10%
RS: 150 grams
Still or Sparkling: Still
Cider Serving size: 2.5oz
Cider Description: Sweet and perfectly balanced heirloom blend of apples naturally cold-concentrated before fermentation in the Vermont winter weather. Arrested fermentation leaves residual sweetness. Pair with apple pie, creme brûlée or a cheese board.
Lady in Pink Barrel aged cider series from Botanist & Barrel
Specs:
ABV:9%
RS: none
Still or Sparkling: still
Cider Serving size: 6 oz
Cider Description: Single variety pink lady apples aged in ex-cherry wine barrels. Fresh juicy acidity from the pink lady apple on the front ending with a deep cherry finish from the barrel aging.
Peach Hibiscus Cider Spritzer Red Clay Ciderworks
Specs:
ABV:4.5%
RS: Semi-dry (3-6 grams of sugar)
Still or Sparkling: Sparkling
Cider Serving size: 16 oz
Cider Description: A light refreshing spritzer made with hard cider, peach and hibiscus. Perfect for a pint (or a few).
Written by Amie Fields and Lyndon Smith