National Apple Cider Day

National Apple Cider Day is a day dedicated to celebrating apple cider, a popular and flavorful beverage made from the pressed juice of apples. It's an occasion to enjoy and appreciate the taste of this autumnal drink, often associated with fall harvest and seasonal festivities. 

Hard apple cider, often simply referred to as "hard cider," is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of apples. It is a popular and refreshing drink that offers a wide range of flavors, sweetness levels, and alcohol content. Here are some key points about hard apple cider:

• Hard cider is made through the fermentation of apple juice. Yeast is added to the juice to consume the natural sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation process can vary in length, which influences the sweetness and alcohol content of the final product.
• The alcohol by volume (ABV) of hard cider typically falls in the range of 4% to 6%, although some ciders may have higher alcohol content, similar to wine.
• Ciders can range from bone-dry to very sweet, depending on the residual sugar content. This variety is achieved by halting fermentation or back-sweetening after fermentation.
• Hard cider offers a diverse spectrum of flavors, which can range from fruity and apple-forward to more complex profiles with hints of spice, floral notes, and even oak from aging in barrels.
• Different apple varieties and apple blends can influence the taste of cider, resulting in a wide range of flavor profiles. Some ciders may also include additional fruit flavors, spices, or other ingredients to create unique and innovative styles.
• Cider production and styles can vary by region, with notable cider-producing areas in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, each with its own traditional and contemporary approaches to cider-making.
• Hard cider is typically served chilled and can be enjoyed straight from the bottle or glass. It is often served in a wine glass or a cider-specific glass to enhance the aroma and taste.
• Cider pairs well with a variety of foods, including cheese, pork dishes, poultry, and salads. It's also a refreshing option for warm-weather drinking.
• One of the advantages of hard cider is that it's naturally gluten-free, making it an appealing alternative for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Hard apple cider has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with craft cideries producing a wide range of artisanal and innovative ciders. Whether you prefer a crisp and dry cider or a sweeter, fruitier variety, there's likely a hard cider to suit your taste preferences.