What is cidre tranquille?

Key facts

• Tranquille = still. Little to no carbonation, perhaps a slight tickle. [1]
• Three levels. Still → pétillant (moderate) → sparkling (high). [1]
• Not a fault. Still cider is a legitimate choice, not a flat mistake. [1]

What are still, pétillant and sparkling cider?

BJCP says carbonation can run from completely still to soda-like. Little to no carbonation is called still, moderate carbonation is pétillant, and high carbonation is sparkling. Highly sparkling ciders can seem Champagne-like, and at higher levels the mousse may hold briefly, but gushing or foaming is a fault. [1]

Term	Bubbles
Still (tranquille)	little to none
Pétillant	moderate
Sparkling	high, can seem Champagne-like

How do US and UK rules define still cider?

• US: TTB treats cider with more than 0.392 g of carbon dioxide per 100 mL as effervescent; it must be labelled "sparkling" (bubbles only from secondary fermentation in a closed container) or "carbonated" (made fizzy another way, such as CO2 injection). [2]
• UK: HMRC defines sparkling cider as cider in a container with 3 bar or more of CO2 pressure, or closed with a tied mushroom stopper. Still cider is cider that is not sparkling. [3]

Which styles are often still?

BJCP notes traditional English cask ciders tend to be still to moderate, and traditional Spanish sidra natural loses most of its natural carbonation in the pour, giving a nearly still drink. [1] More on bubbles: is cider carbonated.

Related answers: is cider carbonated · is sparkling cider alcoholic

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.