Are all ciders made from apples?

Key facts

• Cider = apples. Fermented juice of crushed apples. [1]
• Perry = pears. A similar drink from pears, with its own BJCP category. [1]
• Fruit cider. Apple cider with other fruit added (BJCP C3A). [1]

How do the categories split?

BJCP groups cider and perry into Traditional Cider (C1), Strong Cider (C2), Specialty Cider (C3, including fruit and spiced cider) and Perry (C4). [1] Honey additions usually move a drink to an experimental cider or to cyser, a mead style. [1]

What about "sweet cider" in the US?

In the US, hard cider means the fermented drink, while sweet cider means unfermented, non-alcoholic juice; elsewhere cider usually means the fermented product. [1] More: what cider means.

What does the law say?

• US: for wine of 7–24% ABV, TTB says cider must be derived wholly from apples, except for sugar, water or added alcohol. Wine made wholly from pears must be called pear wine or perry. [2]
• UK: HMRC's definition of cider covers apple or pear juice: at least 35% apple or pear juice before fermentation and in the final product, and under 8.5% ABV. [3]

Where does pear cider fit?

See perry vs pear cider and how perry is made.

Related answers: perry vs pear cider · what is cider uk

Find it on Cider Radar

• Browse the map for cideries, bars and shops near you.
• Open maker profiles for site, social and place links, and check what styles they list.
• Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android

Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.