Hard Apple Cider - A Sweet Alternative

August 18, 2022

Hard Cider presses forward as America's fresh alternative in adult beverages.

 

With signs of the hard seltzer industry starting to fizzle out, there's some hard competition ripe for taking its place. Although hard cider holds a humble 1% of overall alcohol beverage industry revenue in the U.S., the category has grown exponentially in the past decade.  With its crisp and and refreshing flavor, hard apple cider is a sweet and lighter alternative to the bitter flavor of hop-laden beer.

What is Hard Cider?

A popular drink in New England dating back to early settlers, hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting pressed fruit juices such as apples.   On average, most hard ciders are 4.5% - 7% alcohol by volume.  Since "cider" was historically used as a general label for any freshly pressed juice, the term "hard cider" is used to differentiate from its non-alcoholic counterpart.  Yes, let's be clear-this is the hard stuff!

Is Hard Cider Beer?

Hard cider is not classified as beer, although it is frequently found on beer lists in bars and restaurants. The only quality the two beverages have in common is that they’re both fermented. Beer is  a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and flavored with hops. Cider, on the flipside, is an alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit juice.

Another attribute that sets hard cider apart from beer is the fact that it's gluten-free!  It also happens to be tannin-rich (full of antioxidants) and all-natural!

Hard Cider Food Pairing

When considering what foods to pair with hard cider, just ask yourself what you would normally pair apples with.  Pork, chicken, and salads all pair nicely with hard apple cider. Cider also integrates well into craft cocktail recipes!

Lyman Orchards 1741 Hard Apple Cider

Lyman Orchards 1741 Hard Apple Cider pays homage to a time when a classic New England cider was a staple for a young country. 1741 is crafted using a secret blend of cider apple varieties. Full-bodied with an orchard-fresh taste, 1741 Connecticut Crisp offers a semi-sweet, yet tart, flavor profile.

1741 Hard Apple Cider can be found at 1741 Pub and Grill located at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, as well as an ever-growing list of local package stores and restaurants.  We'll also be serving up 1741 Hard Apple Cider this fall at our Corn Maze Beer Tastings.  And if you're more of a non-alcoholic cider fan, we've got you covered at The Apple Barrel Farm Market!

Additional Blogs

August 12, 2025
A Creamy Bite of Lyman's Own: Our Irresistible Store Made Cheese Spread

At Lyman Orchards, we're known for our fresh-picked fruit, mouthwatering pies, and unforgettable farm experiences, but there's another local favorite you don't want to miss: Lyman's Own Cheese Spread. Crafted […]

Read More
August 11, 2025
Vote Lyman Orchards for Best Apple Orchard in the USA 2025!

We're proud to share that Lyman Orchards has been nominated for Best Apple Orchard in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards! For more than 280 years, Lyman Orchards has […]

Read More
July 21, 2025
Small Peach, Big Flavor: Why Donut Peaches Might Be the Best Peach You've Ever Had

Move over traditional peaches - there's a new summer favorite in town, and it might just be the best peach you've ever tasted. Donut Peaches, also called "Saturn Peaches," are […]

Read More
Lyman Orchards is a pet-free property. Please leave your pets at home. Service Animals Welcome.

The Apple Barrel

OPEN YEAR ROUND
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Apple Barrel Deli
Open Daily: 9:00AM-4:00PM

32 Reeds Gap Rd
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-349-6000

more info

Lyman Golf

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Monday-Sunday:
Apple Nine, Player & Jones:
8:00 AM - Sunset

700 Main Street
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-349-6031

more info

1741 Pub & Grill

OPEN Daily
Monday - Friday:
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday:
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

70 Lyman Road
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-349-6033

more info

Pick your own

Now Open Daily
8 AM - 4:30 PM
Weather Permitting

105 South Street
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-349-6015

more info
© 2025 Lyman Orchards. All Rights Reserved. 
chevron-down-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram