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Beer, Wine & CiderHigh confidenceStandard, well-documented fermented drink.

Cider

Cider is a fermented alcoholic drink made from apple juice, ranging from bone-dry to sweet and often lightly carbonated. It is distinct from non-alcoholic apple juice or spiced apple cider despite the shared name. In cocktails it serves as a fizzy, orchard-fruited lengthener.

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Common uses

  • lengthens built cocktails with apple character
  • base for cider-based mixed drinks

Buying & storage

Weeks once opened: Opened, it is on a clock — oxidation flattens it well before the bottle looks empty. Refrigerate it and use it.

Storage: best served cold and fresh; drink soon after opening as carbonation fades quickly

Before it goes

Use up cider

Ranked by how much of it each drink uses and how little else it needs — the ones at the top will not send you back to the shop.

Recipes

Cocktails containing this ingredient

Stand-in

Where cider is a recommended substitute

Recipes that name it as a swap for something else, with what it replaces.

Swap it

Possible substitutions