With summer temps reaching record highs, we’re definitely calling for refreshment. And what’s better to reach for than a cold, crisp cider? In this heat, any cider option will do, but there are some producers kicking the refreshment level up a notch with citrus added to the mix. From the addition of lime and lemon to a punch of blood orange, many cideries are harnessing the tartness of citrus to create wonderfully balanced drinks. Read on for eight delicious options so you can get to sippin’ sunshine in no time.
Babe Magnet | Diskin Cider – Nashville, Tenn.
Want something light and fruity? Babe Magnet is just for you. This seasonal selection from Diskin is made with freshly picked strawberries with a hint of tart lime. It’s wildly crushable and perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Lemon Basil | One Tree Cider – Spokane, Wash.
Forget plain old lemonade. When life gives you lemons, make cider! One Tree Cider managed to combine the two, starting with a base of Washington apples blended with its scratch-made basil lemonade. The result is wonderfully balanced. It’s one of their most popular ciders, allowing it to be available year-round so you can enjoy this citrus sipper all the time.
Blood Orange | Incline Cider Company – Tacoma, Wash.
Want something tart and refreshing, yet still incredibly juicy? Blood Orange from Incline will do the trick. The cidery paired its dry hop blend with the tanginess of blood oranges for the perfect zing to quench your thirst.
“Lithium” Lemoncello | Elemental Hard Cider – Arlington, Wash.
Think about warm summer evenings, sipping a glass of limoncello on the patio. Elemental harnessed that flavor and kicked it up a notch with “Lithium” Lemoncello. With a hint of sweetness and a whole lot of tart, this citrus cider will remind you of the ultra-satisfying Lemon Drops that made your lips pucker as a kid.
Grapefruit and Chill | Schilling Hard Cider – Portland, Ore.
This year-round offering from Schilling is ready to reset and refresh your tastebuds at any moment. With bright notes of grapefruit, it’s tart and it’s balanced. Plus, with a flamingo on the can, it’s perfectly primed for summertime.
Tangerine Dreamsicle | Portland Cider Co. – Portland, Ore.
If you remember munching on orange creamsicles as a kid, this is exactly the cider you’ll want to reach for this summer. With bright, zesty notes of tangerine, this semi-sweet cider is perfectly balanced with real vanilla extract to bring back great memories in the sunshine.
Paloma | Stem Ciders – Denver, Colo.
Ready to step up your cider game for summer? Stem has you covered with this twist on a classic cocktail. Made with pressed apples, grapefruit and key lime puree, agave, juniper berries and black peppercorns, this off-dry option has all the flavors of summer you need to achieve a crisp, bright cider with a little bit of a peppery bite.
Orange U an IPA? | Urban Tree Cidery – Atlanta, Ga.
Don’t let the name fool you, this Urban Tree offering is definitely a cider. Sweet orange peel offers bright flavor to this sipper, while the addition of hops adds great character. It’s semi-sweet, with a hint of acidity, making it the ideal option for someone who can’t decide between a refreshing cider and a flavor-packed IPA.
