Spring is officially here which means the flowers are blooming and your allergies are back. Yay! Even if the pollen in the air is giving you some grief you’ll be glad to know that cideries are making the most of the season and releasing botanical and floral inspired drinks to make all the sniffling worthwhile (and might even have some medicinal value, to boot).
Two Thorns | 2 Towns Ciderhouse
You know what time it is, with the spring comes fútbol season — you know, the real original fútbol (aka American soccer). Calling all self-proclaimed Rose City Riveters, 2 Towns has the cider you’ll want in your hand as you watch the latest Thorns FC game. Made with a combination of raspberry and rose petals this cider is especially fragrant and delicious. Originally only made for the Portland area specifically in partnership with the Portland fútbol club, the cider was popular enough that this year they’re making it a seasonal available throughout the Northwest.
Miyabi | Treehorn Cider
Translated to English, the Japanese word miyabi means elegance, refinement or courtliness. Made with shiso and yuzu, Georgia-based cidery Treehorn attempts to recreate that sentiment with this drink. The shiso acts an aromatic and the yuzu provides a tart citrus flavor. The result is a unique, refreshing take on cider that hasn’t been done before. It’s the sort of drink you want to reach for when you’re taking in one of those spring days that you know you don’t want to forget.
Kenspeckle | Ploughman Cider
This cider is named in tribute to its bright color. The Scottish word “kenspeckle” means “conspicuous,” which Pennsylvania’s Ploughman Cider doesn’t mind with this drink. Made from chokeberries, sometimes called aronia berries which are known to be somewhat of a super fruit thanks to its antioxidants, this cider has a complex, dry taste to it with aromas of strawberry and cherry. Don’t be fooled by the name chokeberry — yes they may be dry and sharp tasting on their own but put in cider they become a great spring drink.
The Blue Bard | Noble Cider
If you’re having a grilling session or maybe you just want something a little rich and flavorful tasing then Noble Cider’s Blue Bard is it. It’s a blueberry cider made with honey and rosemary which both off cut the tartness from the fruit and adds depth to the drink. Drinkers of Noble Cider will also be pleased to know that not only can they get wonderful seasonal flavors like this but that they dedicate themselves to using natural ingredients and supporting their community in North Carolina.
Mint & Basil | Brickworks Cider
Maybe you want something Mojito-ish but you don’t want the cocktail then this is your drink. Brickworks Cider in Toronto created this fun spring drink to get you in the proper seasonal mindset. Get your floral fix in drink form without having to have puffy eyes and instead enjoy this aromatically pleasing cider. It’ll cool you down and refresh you as you lay by the pool — or at least imagine you’re laying by one.
