Cider is often assessed on a scale of dry to sweet. The light, effervescent and tannic profile of dry ciders attracts craft cidermakers, leading to many small-batch ciders staying on the drier side of the scale; while the more mass-produced, commercial ciders tend to be on the sweeter end to appeal to a broader audience. This list blends craft and commercial to give you five delicious ciders that will satisfy your sugar cravings this Halloween. And while all the ciders on this list are sweeter, fear not, they all still maintain the integrity of the fruit and all deliver your taste buds a flavorful fructose punch.
Locust Cider Vanilla Bean
At just 5 percent ABV, this easy-drinking, smooth cider is a must-have for anyone looking to grab a delicious treat. Locust Cider was founded in 2015 by the Spears brothers, and in just four short years it’s become one of the most recognizable names in the industry with ciders available in five states. All of that is certainly backed by some amazing recipes. The combination of Madagascar Vanilla Bean with Washington-grown apples in this cider makes for an irresistible liquid that will surely have you heading back to the store to pick up more.
Portland Sorta Sweet
This cider is the perfect example of a craft cidermaker’s version of “sweet”. As the name suggests, this Sorta Sweet is just that, enough to give you the satisfaction of a sugary treat, but not too much to make it feel like drinking syrup. This amazing, balanced cider is an easy win.
Austin Eastciders Texas Honey
Honey cider is one of the great benefits of the craft cider boom we are currently a part of in the U.S. People have been using honey to make mead for thousands of years, but mead is mead, and this is cider. Tasting nothing like its skunky cousin, this honey cider is absolutely scrumptious and a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Apple Lantern
Two reasons why this cider makes the list: first, it’s a beautiful, hazy cider with a spiced finish that will remind you of your favorite winter ale; and second, the season is too perfect to pass on this autumn delight. With only 10 grams of sugar, this beverage is outweighed by your average soft drink, but with the brown sugar used to sweeten the ferment, it delivers a delectable finish.
Stella Artois Cidre
This cider might be made by the largest beer producer in the world, Anheuser Busch, but that doesn’t disqualify it from being an excellent choice for a sweet cider. This cider makes this list because no matter where you are in the country, you can likely get your hands on this stuff – and it’s a strong pick at your local corner store! Like its brother, the cider by Stella is crisp and refreshing but also gives enough sweet satisfaction to your tongue to keep you craving another.