Best Hard Apple Ciders for Every Taste and Occasion
In this guide
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider 12 Pack
- Hard Cider Making Kit – 1 Gallon
- Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider 6 Pack
- Amazon Grocery Apple Cider
- Blake’s Hard Cider Co American Apple
- Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit
- Martinelli’s Cider
- Buying Guide
- What to consider when choosing hard apple cider
- How to compare options quickly
- FAQ
Looking for the best hard apple ciders for a crowd or a quiet night in? This guide highlights five solid options across styles and ABV levels, helping you choose based on flavor, convenience, and home-brewing potential. Whether you want a ready-to-drink option, a beginner-friendly cider kit, or a classic craft cider, there’s a pick here for you. The table below summarizes the five featured products to compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | ABV | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider | Angry Orchard | 5% | 12-pack bottles | Everyday entertaining and casual sips |
| Hard Cider Making Kit | MUST BEE | varies by batch | 1 gallon kit | Home brewing beginners and hobbyists |
| Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider | Angry Orchard | 5% | 6-pack bottles | Balanced, on-the-go sipping |
| Amazon Grocery Apple Cider | Amazon Grocery | N/A | 64 fl oz bottle | Everyday pantry staple for recipes and drinks |
| Blake’s Hard Cider Co American Apple | Blake’s Hard Cider Co | 8% | 6-pack cans | Higher ABV craft-style cider |
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider 12 Pack
Features: Bottle Fees May Be Applied to Price; Type of Beer: Cider; Alcohol Content: 5% ABV.
Best for: Social gatherings and casual drinking. The 12-pack format provides consistent supply for parties, with a familiar crisp apple profile. Choose this if you prefer widely available, easy-to-find cider with a balanced finish.
Caution: Price-related bottle fees may apply, affecting total cost in some listings. Not ideal if you need a higher ABV.
Hard Cider Making Kit – 1 Gallon
Features: Includes 1 gallon glass carboy, airlock, rubber stopper, siphon tube and clamp, funnel, yeast, nutrient, spice melody, cleanser, temperature tape and guide. Makes one gallon of cider from juice or fresh cider. Beginner-friendly fermentation kit.
Best for: DIY enthusiasts and beginners who want to craft a crisp, balanced hard cider at home. This kit offers an accessible entry point into home brewing with a guided process. Choose this if you want a hands-on project and the ability to customize flavor over time.
Limitation: Requires additional apple juice or fresh juice to ferment; not a ready-to-drink product straight from the box.
Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider 6 Pack
Features: Crisp Apple flavor with a balanced finish; 5% ABV.
Best for: Snack-time sips and casual outdoor occasions. The smaller pack is easier to portion, reducing waste and enabling variety across occasions. Choose this if you want a lighter, portable option without committing to a larger carton.
Limitation: Lower quantity than the 12-pack option; fewer servings per purchase.
Amazon Grocery Apple Cider
Features: One 64-fluid-ounce bottle; No synthetic colors; Pantry staple for meals and beverages.
Best for: Bulk buying and recipe use. Ideal for households that rely on apples for cooking, baking, or bulk beverage needs. Choose this if you want a versatile, store-bought cider for both drinking and kitchen use.
Limitation: Large size may be bulkier to store and the product is a generic grocery option with limited cider complexity compared to craft brands.
Blake’s Hard Cider Co American Apple
Features: Bottle Fees May Be Applied To Price; Type of Beer: Cider; Alcohol By Volume: 8% ABV.
Best for: Craft-style cider with higher ABV and a fuller, fruit-forward profile. Choose this if you want a stronger cider experience and are comfortable with a bolder finish.
Caution: Higher ABV may not be suitable for all occasions or all drinkers; monitor intake accordingly.
Craft A Brew Hard Cider Kit
Features: One-gallon starter kit for hard cider; includes brewing supplies and guide. Designed for beginners and hobbyists.
Best for: Those who want to explore cider making as a hobby and enjoy learning the brewing process. Choose this if you want a complete starter experience with educational value.
Limitation: Not a ready-to-drink cider; requires fermentation time and ingredient additions to produce cider.
Martinelli’s Cider
Features: Bottle Fees May Be Applied To Price; Type of Beer: Cider; Alcohol By Volume: 5.5% ABV.
Best for: Classic, family-friendly cider with a traditional apple profile. Choose this if you want a familiar, approachable option with a light to moderate ABV.
Limitation: Less emphasis on craft or bold flavors compared to some specialty ciders.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing hard apple cider
Flavor profile: Do you prefer crisp and dry, sweet and fruity, or bold and higher ABV? Read the label notes and tasting descriptors to match your taste.
Format and quantity: Are you stocking for a party, or starting a home-brewing project? Ready-to-drink formats are convenient; kits require time but offer customization.
ABV and intensity: Higher ABV ciders provide a stronger impression; lower ABV options are session-friendly for longer gatherings.
Ingredient and authenticity: Craft or domestic brands often emphasize traditional apple varieties and clean ingredients. Consider whether you want a mass-market option or a more artisanal product.
Storage and shelf life: Some ciders come in larger bottles or cans; consider space and usage rate to avoid waste.
How to compare options quickly
- Best for beginners: Hard cider kits and starter sets.
- Best for gifting or sharing: Multi-pack bottles or cans from established brands.
- Best for high-ABV fans: Ciders around 8% ABV.
- Best for cooking and recipes: Large 64 oz bottle options.
FAQ
- What is hard apple cider?
Hard apple cider is alcoholic cider made from fermented apple juice, typically containing 4–8% ABV depending on the product.
- Is higher ABV cider worth it?
Higher ABV croducts deliver stronger flavors and a quicker onset of effects; choose based on your preference for potency.
- Can I brew my own cider at home?
Yes, beginner-friendly kits provide all necessary components and instructions to ferment your own hard cider.
- What should I consider when buying in bulk?
Bulk purchases can save money but require more storage and planning for consumption timelines.
- Are there non-alcoholic cider options?
Yes, many brands offer non-alcoholic ciders, which are labeled separately from hard cider products.