I have spoken quite a bit recently about seasonal food and drink for this time of the year.  In continuing with that theme, today I want to discuss another seasonal flavor that just screams autumn.

Apple Cider.

You can buy all kinds of apple ciders – from alcoholic ones in the craft beer section of your favorite liquor store to non-alcoholic ones at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.  No matter what way you like it (i.e. sparkly, unfiltered, etc.), cider has a wonderfully sweet and tart taste that is great either hot or cold.

People often ask – “will the cider I buy at the store turn hard if I leave it?”  Well, most commercially bought ciders have been both pasteurized AND contain various preservatives to keep it from “turning”, but if you buy fresh pressed apple cider at an orchard or other apple supplier (that hasn’t been “tampered” with), then yes – it will ferment if left alone for a few weeks.  However; it can also turn from a tasty alcoholic concoction to vinegar (just like wine), so you have to understand and know what you are doing.  That being said, store-bought apple cider CAN be fermented, but it usually requires the addition of yeast and some additional sugar to get the fermentation process going again (A quick Google search will reveal plenty of websites that can explain how to do this on your own, if you are interested).

Now that our brief turn into Chemistry is over, we can talk again about cider.  What is the best way to drink it?  I like it a lot of different ways.  Warm cider (with a cinnamon stick) on a cold morning or evening sitting by a fireplace or outside fire-pit is heavenly.  A half-and-half mixture of beer and cider (known as a “snakebite”) is also quite tasty.  It’s also great on its own, and there are now lots of different varieties and flavors (from sweet to dry) on the market.  Cider is also used in sauces or reductions in many fall dishes and pairs wonderfully with pork and other root vegetables.

Next time you are out at the grocery store or liquor store, look for some apple cider and give it a try during these cool fall months.  It’s a nice change of pace as a drink or in the kitchen, and you may find a new autumn favorite!