Lighter Spring nights will be on their way in just a few weeks and I for one can say that I’ll be welcoming them with open arms. When I think of Springtime I instantly associate it with crisp air, blooming flowers and the beginnings of sunnier times. Not only that but I’ll start thinking about seasonal flavours in terms of food and drink. I’m not necessarily someone who exclusively sticks to seasonal flavours when it comes to my drinks. In fact you’ll often catch me happily sipping away on Aperol Spritz’s in the bitterest of Winter evenings. But sometimes it’s nice to embrace seasonal drinks. Which is why, in celebration of Springtime, I’m sharing two Spring ciders that I think would be perfect for sipping this season.
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2 Great Ciders To Try This Spring: Cider Is Wine
If you’ve read my tips on how to make the most of a weekend at home or checked out my boozy gift guide then you’ll most likely already be familiar with the brand Cider Is Wine. But for those of you who aren’t aware of the company, allow me to quickly introduce you to them. Based in Maidenhead, Cider Is Wine are a company who focus on sharing only the highest quality of cider and perry with the consumer. They believe that cider, alike wine, should be seen as both a sophisticated and elegant alternative to our favourite wines. And with their array of beautiful and delicious ciders and perries on offer on their site, they definitely have proven this to be true. I’ve picked out two ciders, that are available on the Cider Is Wine website, to share with you as wonderful options for Springtime sipping.
Long Brothers Apple & Blueberry Co-Ferment Cider
The first of the two ciders comes from Northamptonshire based Long Brothers. Their Apple & Blueberry Co-Ferment Cider is made using 100% freshly pressed and fermented apples and blueberries, and uses no concentrates. The co-ferment is a mix of 85% apple juice (Katie apples from Lower Court Farm, Herefordshire) and 15% blueberry juice (from Lutton Farm, Northamptonshire). Made in the same way as grape wine, the cider is also gluten free and vegetarian and vegan friendly.
In terms of first impressions, Long Brothers co-ferment is a stunning, deep shade of red that instantly made me think of delicious dark berries. As for the taste I was mostly getting a strong apple flavour (from the Katie apples) before finishing with some sweetness from the blueberries. I’d describe this one as lightly sparkling and, compared to other ciders that contain berries, it’s fairly crisp and dry. The sweetness is definitely still there but overall it’s light and super refreshing. Cider Is Wine recommend pairing this cider with a lentil and feta salad, pan seared duck or slow cooked lamb. However, they also suggest drinking it on it’s own as a delightful aperitif (which is how I enjoyed it!).
Tinston Anatomy Sparkling 2017
The second cider comes from Brighton based Tinston. As a small-batch company, they believe in care, attention to detail and of course quality when it comes to their ciders. For Tinston, it’s important that they showcase exactly what England has to offer in terms of high quality ciders. I think their 2017 Tinston Anatomy is a great example of exactly this. It’s a sparkling cider made from 100% freshly-pressed Bramley apples, and is made in a similar way to sparkling wine. Tinston Anatomy Sparkling 2017 is also gluten free and vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Let’s get onto how it tastes then shall we? So first off the scent was not what I was expecting at all, it almost has a bit of a sour, acidic smell to it (not dissimilar to a sour beer actually). But in terms of how it tasted it couldn’t be further from it’s sour beer-esque scent. It’s sparkling, crisp yet fruity, and honestly…it’s so similar to champagne that I almost couldn’t believe it was cider. Of course it does still have the appley cider flavours but it’s also totally champagne-esque. If you’re someone who loves sparkling wine or champagne then you seriously need to give this a try. And at £10.75 it’s such a great alternative to a quality champagne that will definitely impress! Cider Is Wine recommend serving this cider in flute glasses alongside light canapés (sounds dreamy!). But they also mention that the Tinston Anatomy would work well with fresh fish dishes such as smoked salmon or mackerel pâté.
What drinks do you often associate with the Spring? Have either of these ciders caught your eye? Let me know which one you’d love to try this season!
Female Original
Read next: How To Make The Most Of A Weekend At Home.
The color of the blueberry cider reminds me very much of the fruit kombucha I used to make! Such a pretty shade of bluish purple.
I am a sparkling kind of gal so the sparkling Anatomy looks delicious. Thanks for sharing another company dedicated to high standards of flavor and drinks made with love. 🙂
It’s such a lovely shade isn’t it! Glad you enjoyed discovering some new drinks 🙂 x
Omg, why does a glass of cider sound so freakin good right now?!!? I’ve been sipping on coffee & water all day, so that sounds refreshing, honestly x
Hahaha blame it on the upcoming Spring! Both are absolutely lovely, refreshing ciders 🙂 x
The sun over the past few days has definitely got me in the mood for drinks like these! Thanks for sharing 🙂 http://skylish.co.uk
The sun always has me wanting a delicious, refreshing drink as well! Glad you enjoyed reading 🙂 x
Oooh Apple and Blueberry sounds like such a delicious flavour! Thanks for sharing these!
Tash – A Girl with a View
It’s such a lovely flavour combination in a cider! Perfect for Spring 🙂 x
Cider means summer and spring for me- and I think it’s a classic picnic drink 🙂 thank you for sharing these recommendations, I love finding new fruity drinks to try x
Oooh yes, it’s definitely a great picnic drink! Glad you enjoyed reading 🙂 x
Ooo I like the sound of both of these. I can imagine sitting out in the garden, in the sun enjoying a refreshing glass (or two) of these!
Bring on the sun!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Glad you like the sound of them! Oh yes, that sounds like a vibe haha x
Yum! I love cider! Strongbow is definitely my fav. The blueberry apple one sounds delish! Thanks for sharing xx
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
You can’t beat a crisp cider on a hot day! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
These look like great choices! I associate Rose wines with warmer weather! Thanks for sharing.
Oooh I do love a rosé in the sunshine (although I love a rosé anytime tbf…haha!) x
Both of these sound amazing! I love the color of the blueberry and apple cider. Thanks for sharing!
It’s such a lovely shade of red isn’t it! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
These sound like great ciders to try in Spring! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Glad you like the sound of them! x
I do quite like cider but dont drink it that often, the Long Brothers one sounds like it tastes super nice!
It’s a great cider – one for Spring sipping for sure! 🙂 x
The Long Brothers Cider looks and sounds delicious, definitely the kind of drink I’d reach for in the summer!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Glad you like the sound of it! x
I LOVE cider! And that Long Brother’s cider sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
It’s such a great Spring/Summer drink isn’t it! Glad you like the sound of the Long Brother’s cider 🙂 x
These sounds amazing! I’m so tempted by the color of the apple and blueberry cider.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
The colour of it just draws you right in doesn’t it! x
These look really good! I love a cider when it’s sunny. My current favourite is the Old Mout pineapple and raspberry cider but would like to try more 🙂
Oooh that sounds lovely! I agreed, cider on a sunny day is the best 🙂 x
I’ve had a love for cider ever since I was young because I used to drink it with my grandad when we went on holiday. Strongbow has always been the cider of choice but the Tinston sparkling sounds really nice and perfect for a sunny day! x
Samantha | https://samanthajblogs.co.uk
Aw I love that! The Tinston Anatomy is so lovely – it really does have a champagne-ness to it 🙂 x
I don’t drink but all of these ciders sound amazing! Very refreshing!
Glad you like the sound of them (even if you don’t drink!). I’ll have to check out the alcohol-free cider scene and see if there’s anything! x
These ciders sound so interesting!! I’m not usually a big cider fan but I’d love to try them xx
They’re both lovely ciders! Glad you like the sound of them despite not usually being a cider fan 🙂 x
This might sound weird but I have never had ciders before. I’m gonna have to try them. The blueberry and apple one looks so damn amazing and it has this beautiful red colour which makes you want to taste it almost immediately haha.
Oh really! Hopefully you’ll enjoy them whenever you get a chance to try a few out 🙂 x
Yum!! You can’t go wrong with sparkling cider. I love that these bottles are affordable. Big plus when you can mix a good cocktail with it. Thanks for sharing these picks!
Agreed! Glad you like the sound of them 🙂 x
These sound so delicious, especially the blueberry apple flavored one! Thanks for sharing your experience trying these ciders out! I loved reading this!
Thank you so much! The Long Brothers cider is so good so I’m glad you liked the sound of it 🙂 x
I think I would love the sparkling one. Just imaging it at a spring picnic!
http://www.fashionradi.com
It’d be perfect for a picnic! Glad you liked the sound of it 🙂 x
I definitely associate cider with spring and summer too. I love the sound of the apple and blueberry. It sounds so fresh and perfect for the slightly warmer weather x
It’ll forever make me think of sunshine! Glad you like the sound of it 🙂 x
LOVE cider! Ususally i get it in the fall but will deff try these out!
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
Glad you like the sound of them! 🙂 x
I´m a big cider fan, especially when it gets warmer 🙂
have a good start in the new week,
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de
Cider is so lovely in the warmer weather! You can’t beat a nice glass of cider on a sunny day 🙂 x