You can buy cider kegs from many cider makers, some specialist shops and drinks wholesalers, usually to order for parties and events. Some makers also sell mini-kegs and bag-in-box cider. In the UK, the lower draught duty rate applies only to cider under 8.5% ABV in containers of 20 litres or more that connect to a pump or gas tap.

What are the best cider brands?

There is no single best cider brand: "best" depends on the style and sweetness you like. A practical way to choose is to pick a style first, such as English, French, Spanish, perry or ice cider, then compare makers within it. Protected names, competition results and other drinkers' ratings help narrow the choice.

What is a cider festival?

A cider festival is an event where many cider makers pour their ciders, usually by the glass or as tasting samples, so you can compare styles in one place. Some include competitions, food and talks. Related traditions include the orchard wassail in England and the start of the cider-house season in the Basque Country.

What is a cider mill?

A cider mill is a place where apples are ground and pressed into fresh apple cider. In the US the term usually means a farm business that presses and sells sweet, non-alcoholic cider, often in autumn, and some also make hard cider. The word can also mean the grinding machine itself, which turns apples into pulp before pressing.

What is a cidery?

A cidery is a place where cider is produced, in the same way that a brewery makes beer and a winery makes wine. Many cideries also have a tasting room or shop. In the UK people often say cider maker or cider farm; in the Basque Country a cider house (sagardotegi) also serves guests.

When are cider festivals held?

Cider festivals are held all year, but most cluster in a few seasons: orchard wassails around midwinter, the Basque cider-house season from mid-January into spring, and summer and harvest festivals from June to November, such as Cider Summit Seattle in September and CiderDays in Massachusetts in November.

Where can I buy apple cider?

In the US, fresh (non-alcoholic) apple cider is sold at orchards, cider mills, farmers' markets and grocery stores, while fermented hard cider comes from cider makers, bars and licensed shops. Outside the US, "cider" usually means the alcoholic drink. Read the label to see which one you are buying and whether the juice was pasteurized.

Where can I buy cider online?

You can buy cider online from three main places: the cider maker's own web shop, specialist cider and drinks retailers, and general online shops that sell alcohol. Buying from the maker usually gives the widest choice of that maker's ciders. Online alcohol sales are licensed and age-restricted, so check the seller's terms.

Where can I buy craft cider in the UK?

The most direct way to buy UK craft cider is from the people who make it: at the farm or through their online shop. Cider festivals, specialist shops and pubs are the other main routes. There is no legal definition of "craft" cider in the UK, so read the label and ask the maker how it is made.

Where can I buy French cider?

The widest choice of French cider (cidre) is found at producers in Normandy and Brittany, at the farm or through their own shops. Outside France, look for importers, wine and cider shops, and bars. Label words such as brut, doux and "pur jus" have legal meanings in France, which helps you choose.

Where can I buy honey cider?

You can buy honey cider from craft cider makers that add honey to some of their ciders, from meaderies that make cyser (a honey and apple drink), and from specialist cider shops and festivals. Look at the label: in the US, a cider with honey must say so in its name, for example "apple cider with honey".

Where can I buy ice cider?

Ice cider is sold mainly by cideries in Quebec, where it is a protected name, and by wine and spirits shops that import it. It is also made outside Quebec. Look for "Cidre de glace du Québec" on the label if you want the protected Quebec version made under its official rules.

Where can I buy mulled cider?

Ready-made mulled cider is sold by some cider makers and drinks shops, and it is poured hot at some bars, pubs and festivals. You can also buy a still or medium cider and mull it at home with spices. In the UK, spiced versions are often not legally "cider", so read the label.

Where can I buy rosé cider?

You can buy rosé cider from cider makers' own shops and websites, from specialist cider shops and bottle shops, and at cider festivals and bars. Supermarkets often stock pink ciders too. Read the label: some rosé ciders get their colour from red-fleshed apples, while others are flavoured with added fruit such as berries.

Where can I buy scrumpy?

Scrumpy is easiest to buy from cider farms in the West Country of England, such as in Somerset and Devon, and in Herefordshire, either at the farm or from the maker's own website. Festivals, specialist shops and pubs sell it too. "Scrumpy" has no legal definition, so check the label for strength and how it was made.

Where can I buy Spanish cider?

Spanish cider (sidra) comes mainly from Asturias and the Basque Country, and the widest choice is sold there by cider mills, cider houses and local shops. Many certified Asturian mills also sell online. Outside Spain, look for importers and specialist shops, and check the label for the Sidra de Asturias PDO if you want certified Asturian apples.

Where can I buy sparkling cider?

You can buy sparkling cider from cider makers and their web shops, specialist cider and wine shops, supermarkets and cider bars. First check which kind you want: alcoholic sparkling cider, such as French cidre bouché or bottle-conditioned craft cider, or a non-alcoholic sparkling apple juice that is also sold as "sparkling cider".

Where can I find a cider bar?

Cider bars are still rare, so the quickest way to find one is a map or list that filters for cider-focused venues. In cider regions, also look at taprooms at cideries, Basque cider houses in season, and pubs that serve real cider. Check opening times before you go, because many cider venues are seasonal.

Who makes cider?

Cider is made by farm cideries that press their own apples, by independent craft producers, by some wineries and breweries, and by large drinks companies. In the US, cider is legally a type of wine, so commercial producers must set up bonded winery premises with TTB. Cider Radar lists 2,329 cider makers (as of 2026-10-02) in more than 50 countries.

Buying and finding cider