Should cider be served cold?
Most cider is best served chilled, but not ice-cold. Official bodies give about 6–13°C: Normandy's Pays d'Auge tourist office says 8–12°C, and the Sidra de Asturias PDO about 13°C for natural cider and 6–8°C for sparkling. Quebec producers serve ice cider well chilled. Sparkling and ice ciders are served colder.
Updated
Key facts
| Cider | Serving temperature | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Normandy cider (Pays d'Auge) | 8–12°C | Normandie Cabourg Pays d'Auge tourist office [1] |
| Asturian natural cider | About 13°C | Sidra de Asturias PDO [2] |
| Asturian natural filtered cider | 8–10°C | Sidra de Asturias PDO [2] |
| Asturian natural sparkling cider | 6–8°C | Sidra de Asturias PDO [3] |
| Quebec ice cider | Well chilled ("bien froid") | Les producteurs de cidre du Québec [4] |
| Pommeau de Normandie | 8–10°C | Pommeau de Normandie interprofession [5] |
Why shouldn't cider be served ice-cold?
The Pays d'Auge tourist office says cider should be served at 8–12°C to bring out its subtleties, so a cider that is much colder than that shows less of its character. [1] Sparkling ciders are the exception: the Asturian PDO serves its sparkling cider at 6–8°C. [3]
How do I get cider to the right temperature?
- Chill, then check. Chill the bottle, and let a still or traditional cider warm up a little in the glass if it tastes muted.
- Cool water. The Asturian PDO says that in warm seasons natural cider bottles can be kept standing in fresh water, without the cork touching the water. [2]
- Serve sparkling and ice ciders colder than still farm ciders. [3] [4]
Does serving temperature depend on the style?
Yes. In Asturias, for example, natural cider is served at about 13°C, filtered natural cider at 8–10°C and natural sparkling cider at 6–8°C. [2] [3] Ice cider is served well chilled in a small glass; see how to serve ice cider. For the glass itself, see what glass to use for cider, and for styles, the guide to types of cider.
Related answers: what glass to use · can cider go bad
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Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
Can you drink cider warm?
Yes, as mulled cider, which is heated with spices; see where to buy mulled cider. For drinking straight, official bodies recommend cool temperatures. [1] [2]
Should I add ice to cider?
It is a matter of taste, but ice dilutes the cider as it melts. Chilling the bottle to the serving temperature first keeps the flavour. Quebec producers do suggest ice cubes in an ice cider and tonic aperitif. [4]
Sources
- Comment déguster un cidre ? — Normandie Cabourg Pays d'Auge Tourisme (tourist office)
- Natural cider — Consejo Regulador DOP Sidra de Asturias
- Natural Sparkling Cider — Consejo Regulador DOP Sidra de Asturias
- 7 occasions pour vous réchauffer avec le cidre de glace — Les producteurs de cidre du Québec
- What's the best way to enjoy Pommeau de Normandie? — Pommeau de Normandie (IDAC)