10 Best Ciders UK 2022 | Westons, Severn Cider and More

Whilst sweeter ciders appeal to the many as they're easier to drink and taste like soft drink, they do have higher sugar content, so may not be recommended for those watching their sugar or calorie intake. On the other hand of the spectrum, ciders classed as scrumpy are made with no added sugars, and are flat instead of fizzy, which is another factor to consider when choosing your tipple.

If you’re not sure which you might like the best in terms of taste, think about the kind of wine or other drinks you like – do you like dry or sweet white wine? Would you order a tonic water or a lemonade, a sparkling lager or a traditional ale? And if you’re still feeling a bit indecisive, try picking a cider that falls somewhere in the middle to begin with, and go from there.

Not many brands will list the percentage on the bottle or can, but some may do on their website. Better ciders will have only some sugar, water and something to keep them fresh (usually a sulphite or two) added, whereas most cheaper options will have some added concentrates, flavourings and syrups to bulk out the content.

So, if you’re serious about your booze you may want to err towards a cider that lists the apple juice content, and a high one at that.

There are more and more companies producing low or no alcohol ciders too, so if you’d like a few glasses of the good stuff without the headache, look for those with 2, 1 or 0% ABV.

Some experts say that cans are the way forward, as flavour-changing UV light exposure cannot penetrate through the container as easily as it can glass. Environmentally, cans require quite a lot of energy to be recycled, but are lighter in freight, and can be recycled over and over. Also, some people say cans can feel unpleasant on the mouth and teeth.

Glass, however, will keep your cider chilled for longer, making it a better choice for a humid day out without a fridge or cooler in the vicinity. You also won’t get the tinny, metallic profile that can come through with canned drinks. In terms of its eco-friendliness, glass has a lower carbon footprint than cans in its production, but not its recycling process. Some food for thought!

Nowadays ciders are being flavoured or blended with anything from citrus fruits to kiwis or berries, so whether you’re intrigued to try something new or have a penchant for a sweeter alcoholic treat, you’ll definitely be able to find something to satisfy. There’s also no denying that they’re refreshing, easy to drink, and can add a summery vibe to even the rainiest barbecue.

Do bear in mind though that they are usually pretty sugary, so they can add a lot to your daily intake if you have more than one or two. If this is a concern but you still want to branch out or change up your regular plonk, you could always try a perry, which is a cider made from pear juice or a mix of pear and apple.