The history of cider consumption in the US starts with the first settlers from the British Isles. The fact that cider is easier to brew compared to beer made it a popular beverage in the past. Even though it’s not as common today as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries, the role of cider in bars and restaurants is still important. Nowadays, it’s primarily consumed in the UK and Ireland. You can find cider in bars in New England as well. In the past decade, consumption of cider in bars and other hospitality establishments has increased. This resurgence is primarily due to the refreshing flavor of ciders and the fact that they are a natural gluten-free beverage (a major trend in the restaurant industry). In the following article, we’ll share more about the ciders and their place on menus. Make sure to also check our posts on the different beer trends and how to manage bar inventory.
Key takeaway: Although cider is a less popular beverage compared to beer, it plays an important role in the hospitality sector. Inclusion of cider in bar or restaurant menus can make it more versatile.
What Is the Role of Cider in the Hospitality Industry
Although it’s not as popular as beer or wine, cider still has a valuable role in the hospitality sector. As a growing number of consumers shift toward craft drinks, ciders have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are primarily associated with pubs or other casual establishments. However, certain high-end cider brands can also be found on the menus of fine-dining restaurants. The refreshing flavor of siders makes them a great choice for outdoor events and other special occasions organized by catering businesses. Although original cider is made from fermented apple juice, other fruits such as pears (pear cider is also known as perry) and berries can be used to manufacture cider.
How Ciders Are Used by the Hospitality Sector
- Including cider in bar or restaurant menus can diversify beverage options for guests. As a low-alcohol alternative to wine and beer, ciders are preferred by customers who look for a fruitier beverage. Soft ciders can also be enjoyed by youngsters, designated drivers, or people who don’t consume alcohol.
- As cider is gluten-free, its market share has risen in recent years. Restaurant managers can use this characteristic to offer a gluten-free option to guests with dietary restrictions.
- The fresh and fruity flavor of cider pairs well with various dishes. Creating restaurant bundles that combine a cider with a meal can be a creative alternative to wine, beer, or cocktail and food pairing.
- Ciders are especially popular in certain cuisines and settings. They are among the most consumed beverages in Ireland and the UK. As such, they can be a key to restaurant success for establishments in New England and those that specialize in English or Irish cuisine.
- Mixed drinks have become very popular in recent years. Cider can be used as an ingredient for some items in the cocktail menu. Due to the high profit margin on cocktails, this can significantly help in increasing the profitability of an establishment.
Different Types of Ciders
There are various cider styles that can be divided by their flavor profile, sweetness, origin, and fermentation method. Let’s examine the main categories.
- Sweetness. Based on different sweetness levels, ciders fall into three main subcategories: dry, semi-dry, and sweet. Dry cider is crisp and tart. It can be associated with wine. It’s common for European cider styles. Semi-dry ciders offer a balance of sweetness and tartness. Sweet ones are the most fruity and are common among casual cider drinkers.
- Region. There are various European cider types. English cider, French cidre, and Spanish sidra are the most common ones. US ciders also come in different varieties. Hard New England cider often has a very high alcoholic content.
- Fruit. Cider is traditionally made from apples. However, pear cider (known as perry) is also common. Fruit-infused cider varieties or cider made of berries have also become popular across the US.
- Specialty ciders. The competitiveness of the beverage industry has led to the creation of new types of ciders. That includes hopped or spiced cider, cider seltzer, and even high-end barrel-aged cider.
What Are the Trends in Ciders
Business owners need to adapt to the trends in their sector. That’s also true for the hospitality and beverage industries. One of the main trends related to offering cider in bars and other establishments is to combine different fruit flavors. There are ciders that are infused with flavors like cherry, mango, or blueberry. Hopped ciders have also been popular among people who enjoy different types of craft beers. Craft cider varieties can also be used as part of a bar marketing strategy and to boost restaurant customer acquisition. Cider that has been barrel-aged in bourbon or rum casks is used by high-end establishments. These premium offerings are fairly rare and can be sold with a higher profit markup.
Another trend is related to offering food and cider pairings. The versatility of ciders means they can be paired with appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cider in Bars and Restaurants
Are you looking for tips regarding menu design? Or perhaps you’re curious about the role of mocktails in restaurants? You’ll find articles on a variety of topics on BlueCart and BinWise. If this post was informational for you, you’ll probably find our resources on beverage inventory software and restaurant liquor menus helpful as well. Below you can read our answers to common questions regarding ciders in bars and restaurants.
How Is Cider Produced?
Cider is made of fermented apples. Cider apples are special apple cultivars grown for use by the cider brewing industry. However, most producers of ciders combine different types of eating or dessert apples to achieve better sweetness or higher alcohol content. There are different methods for producing cider. Some manufacturers use the champagne method as the resulting product is of premium quality. The process of brewing cider is simpler compared to homebrewing beer. That’s why many enthusiasts, especially in regions where cider is popular, might make the beverage on their own.
How Businesses Can Benefit from Ciders?
Companies in the food and beverage industry can benefit from offering ciders in various ways. Although the role of cider in bars and restaurants is fairly limited, it can be used as an ingredient in cocktails or as a natural gluten-free alternative to beer. The foodie culture has popularized the practice of trying new flavors. That’s why businesses can include various types of ciders in their menus or recommend ciders as beverage pairings to dishes. Ciders can also be beneficial for food service companies that aim to attract young customers and non-beer drinkers. People who look for a refreshing and low-ABV alternative to beer are likely to choose cider.
What Is Soft Cider?
In the US, there are two main categories of ciders: hard and soft ciders. The latter is a non-alcoholic version, while hard cider contains between 3.5 and 12 percent alcohol. In some regions of the US, hard cider is called simply cider while soft cider is referred to as apple cider (even if it’s made from other fruits). By including soft cider in bar or restaurant menus, businesses can have a refreshing and carbonated soft drink for young people or designated drivers. As a gluten-free option, soft cider has become more popular in recent years.
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