Cider Pros Help with Thanksgiving Pairings

by | Nov 23, 2015

Whether you identify as “cider connoisseur” or “cider-not-quite-sure,” Thanksgiving has always been synonymous with a glistening glass of refreshing cider alongside that long awaited feast. This year, step your cider situation up a notch with knowledgeable pairings in your back pocket. We’ve asked the experts to weigh in on their favorite pairings per course.

Appetizer || Cheese Platter || Paired by Jason Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, RockCreek, Seattle
The best way to prep your palate for comfort-food-coma mode? Scherer, who also is the resident chef for this publication’s food pairing photo shoots, recommends an intense, pungent blue cheese paired with Alpenfire Pirate’s Plank dry cider to keep your senses alert and ready for the big day. Cheese options include Stilton, Spanish Valdeon, Gorgonzola, Cambozola or your favorite stinky blue cheese. “The slightly smoky cider is great with the funky blue,” Scherer says. “Sherry and citrus notes in the cider also bring out undiscovered flavors in the floral cheese.” Toss some dried apricots or smoked almonds onto your platter for a final touch.

Side || Cranberry Dish || Paired by Eric West, Founder, Cider Guide
Cranberries are a necessity at any Thanksgiving celebration. If you’re feeling traditional, whip up a classic batch of cranberry sauce via age-old family recipe. For something different, cranberry applesauce pleases the palate similarly, but stands well on its own. Either way, West recommends West County Redfield, appropriately originating from Massachusetts. Crafted from a red-fleshed apple variety, the cider is red-hued to match the color and tartness of your choice cranberry cuisine.

Main Course || Turkey || Paired by Ryan Burk, Head Cidermaker, Angry Orchard, Walden, NY; and Kevin Gillespie, Owner, Gunshow, Atlanta
For the succulent main feast, you can’t go wrong with a complementary dry cider. Burk recommends Angry Orchard Stone Dry cider, as “the tannic character contrasts the juicy, tenderness of the turkey, while the bright apple aroma complements the baked, savory characteristics of the meat.”

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, pair your turkey with cider before it even leaves the kitchen. Present Gillespie’s Angry Orchard Cider Brined Thanksgiving Turkey feeling like a pro. The unique combination of cider, brown sugar, allspice, ginger, thyme and other fine ingredients will be the perfect addition to your already-delicious main course.

Dessert || Pumpkin Pie || Paired by Ellen Cavalli, Co-owner, Tilted Shed Ciderworks, Windsor, CA
Keep it classic with a dessert pairing that leaves you satisfied yet craving more fruity goodness. Cavalli recommends your favorite pumpkin pie recipe paired with “rich and decadent” Tilted Shed 2014 Barred Rock whiskey barrel-aged cider. Notes of crème brulee and caramel apple contribute to a sweet finish. For a cider that holds its own as dessert sans pie, Cavelli goes for a pommeau or ice cider.

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Introducing the most otterly amazing collab yet!

@drinkgoldenstate is partnering with @seaottersavvy, a non-profit dedicated to protecting sea otters and promoting responsible wildlife viewing. To celebrate, they've launched exclusive co-branded cans featuring sea otter artwork, plus fun merch to match!

Here’s the best part: A portion of the proceeds directly supports Sea Otter Savvy’s mission.

Here’s what’s in your can: 
🍎 100% fresh, cold-pressed West Coast apples 
🥂 Perfectly balanced with no added sugar for a crisp, refreshing taste 
🌱 Gluten-free & vegan-friendly 
🍏 6.1% ABV 
💥 Grab a 16oz 4-pack (webstore + taproom exclusive!) and join them at the taproom, where Sea Otter Savvy will be sharing their incredible work on sea otter protection.

Head to our link in bio to learn more about this collaboration and grab a pint for a great cause.

#GoldenStateCider #SeaOtterSavvy #CiderForACause #WildlifeConservation #DrinkCiderDoGood
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Hike, sip, repeat! 🥾

Looking for the perfect way to pair outdoor adventures with refreshing cider? We've rounded up the ultimate hiking trails near local cideries spanning New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Washington. 

Highlights include:
Teatown Lake trails paired with award-winning ciders from @thompsonscidermill
A bike ride along the East Bay Path with a stop for handcrafted blends at @sowamsciderworks 
Scenic views from the Coal & Coke Trail followed by a Blueberry Lemon sip from @yinzervalleyfarms 
Island Center Forest’s peaceful paths matched with @dragonsheadcider and @nashi_orchards on Vashon Island 

Discover all the trails and ciders in our full article on cidercraftmag.com.

Story by Stasia Brewczynski

#SupportLocalCideries #ThompsonsCiderMill #SowamsCiderWorks #YinzerValleyFarms #DragonsHeadCider #NashiOrchards
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🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

After years of basic apple ciders stealing the spotlight, we’re officially saying BYE FELICIA 🍎 and hello to the new IT fruit. That’s right, Cidercraft Magazine is rebranding as PINEAPPLE MAGAZINE!

Apples? Cute, but predictable. Pineapples? They’re funky, spiky, and basically scream vacation vibes. Plus, have you SEEN how chic they look on everything from print patterns to cocktail garnishes? Sorry apples, you’re just... last season. We’re all about keeping it tropical from now on. 🌴

Get ready for juicy pineapple recipes, refreshing pineapple cider cocktails, and the exclusive on pineapple-based trends (piña coladas, anyone?).

Tag your pineapple-obsessed bestie and help us spread the news! 🍍

#PineappleMagazine #cider #pickcider #apples #pineapples
@ciderfeasthq Portland is kicking off the 2025 East Coast Tour this Mother’s Day, May 11th, at Oxbow Blending & Bottling in Portland, ME. With over 15 hand-picked cideries showcasing their finest pours, plus incredible food pairings from local food trucks, this festival is the ultimate treat for cider enthusiasts! 

Discover unique ciders, connect with passionate producers, and indulge in flavors from Maine and beyond. Tickets include cider tastings, a souvenir glass, and the perfect excuse to spoil mom this Mother’s Day. 
 
Want to learn more about this one-of-a-kind event? Read more at cidercraftmag.com!

#CiderFeastPortland #DrinkCider #MothersDay #PortlandME
Sustainably sourced from family orchards in Somerset and Kent, Kicking Goat Cider is all about keeping it real—100% fresh-pressed British apples, no concentrate, no shortcuts.

Whether you’re into crisp dry cider or something a little sweeter like Fresh Berry, there’s a flavor for every vibe. Plus, they come in lightweight, recyclable cans, so they’re picnic and BBQ-ready.

Made by James Pearce and his family, this cider is as real as it gets—simple, delicious, and full of apple-y goodness.

Check out @kickinggoatcider or head to kickinggoatcider.co.uk to see what all the fuss is about.

🍏 #CiderGoals
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Introducing the most otterly amazing collab yet!

@drinkgoldenstate is partnering with @seaottersavvy, a non-profit dedicated to protecting sea otters and promoting responsible wildlife viewing. To celebrate, they've launched exclusive co-branded cans featuring sea otter artwork, plus fun merch to match!

Here’s the best part: A portion of the proceeds directly supports Sea Otter Savvy’s mission.

Here’s what’s in your can: 
🍎 100% fresh, cold-pressed West Coast apples 
🥂 Perfectly balanced with no added sugar for a crisp, refreshing taste 
🌱 Gluten-free & vegan-friendly 
🍏 6.1% ABV 
💥 Grab a 16oz 4-pack (webstore + taproom exclusive!) and join them at the taproom, where Sea Otter Savvy will be sharing their incredible work on sea otter protection.

Head to our link in bio to learn more about this collaboration and grab a pint for a great cause.

#GoldenStateCider #SeaOtterSavvy #CiderForACause #WildlifeConservation #DrinkCiderDoGood
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