The natural carbonation and crisp fruit flavours of cider makes it an ideal and versatile pairing with a range of foods. With a light and refreshing taste that prepares the palate for each new bite, cider can really hold its own alongside big, bold flavours like grilled meats, yet it also pairs beautifully with seafood. Its versatility lays in its different Taste Profiles—Dry, Medium Dry and Sweet—as well as its fresh apple flavour, which balances the savoury smoke from the grill, making it a nice alternative to wine or beer.
Getting started
The most important step in pairing is always to first taste your cider. Think about which flavours are most prominent and consider what might highlight and balance them out. You’re looking for ways to both accentuate and control the flavour.
Pair similarity
The easiest way to pair food and cider is to begin by matching similar flavours. Try pairing a Medium Dry or a Sweet cider with a citrus-infused chicken breast, or a pork chop served with a seasonal fruit chutney.
Pair intensity
You can also achieve a nice food and cider pairing by matching intensity levels. Often this means pairing an assertive beverage with an equally assertive recipe. But, you can also achieve the same effect with subtler flavours. For example, the delicate flavour of a grilled white fish can be highlighted by a dry, structured cider.
Try pairing our recommended ciders with these recipes;
1. Grilled Salmon
2. Grilled Steak and Chorizo with Chimichurri
3. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
Looking to learn more about cider?
Check out our Cider Discovery Guide.