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".
Updated
Key facts
- Labelling in the US. TTB says a cider flavoured with honey cannot be labelled simply as "cider"; it needs a statement of composition such as "apple cider with honey and spices". [1] TTB's label rules apply to cider of 7% ABV or more; below that, FDA food labelling rules apply. [1]
- Labelling in the UK. Honey is not on HMRC's list of permitted cider ingredients, and cider that contains an unlisted ingredient that adds colour or flavour is classed as another fermented product for duty. [2]
- Competition styles. The BJCP 2025 cider guidelines say "Honey additions generally result in either a C3C Experimental Cider, a C4D Experimental Perry, or an M2A Cyser". [3] Whether a honey-and-apple drink counts as cider or mead is covered in cider vs mead.
Where can I buy honey cider?
- Craft cider makers. Some makers add honey to a seasonal or special cider. Check makers' websites and farm shops near you.
- Meaderies. A drink sold as cyser is made from honey and apples and is often found with meads rather than ciders. The glossary entry for cyser gives a short definition.
- Specialist shops and festivals. Cider shops and festivals are where small-batch honey ciders turn up most often.
- Online. See where to buy cider online.
What should I check on a honey cider label?
- The name. In the US, look for wording such as "cider with honey"; a drink sold as cyser or mead is usually honey-led. [1]
- Strength. Honey can raise the strength if it was fermented, so check the ABV.
- Sweetness. Honey added at the end gives a sweeter cider; the sweetness guide explains the usual terms.
Related answers: cider vs mead · where to buy cider online
Find it on Cider Radar
- Find cider by type, or browse cider shops and festivals.
- Guide: where to buy cider · Glossary: cyser
- You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
- 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.
Questions
Does honey make cider stronger?
It can. Honey adds fermentable sugar, so a cider fermented with honey may end up stronger than the same cider without it, while honey added after fermentation mainly adds sweetness. In the US, adding honey does not by itself stop a cider qualifying for the hard cider tax rate. [1]
Sources
- Cider FAQs — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
- 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines, version 2 (PDF) — BJCP