Let’s picture this – a chilled drink in your hand, some upbeat music on the stereo, and good company. Sounds like the perfect way to unwind, doesn’t it? And now with alcohol free ciders and no alcohol ciders, everyone can “indulge”. I mean, it’s time teetotalers became part of the cider revolution too!
So with these interesting new ciders gaining traction in the market, we felt it was time to talk about them. In-depth. And compare some of the top alcohol free ciders you can buy right now.
Let’s get this AF party started!
1. Crafty Nectar 0.5% Alcohol Free Cider
We’re going to start with a unicorn. Introducing Crafty Nectar 0.5, the newestlaunch to the alcohol free cider market in 2020.
We were intrigued by the challenge of a low alcohol cider that tasted exactly like a full-blooded fruit cider. You know, the real deal. So armed with our passion for good cider and in collaboration withalcohol-free cider gurus, Wise BarTender, the Crafty Nectar 0.5% was born – our ‘unicorn’.
It’s a fresh-pressed cider combined with bittersweet and bitter sharp apple juice. We’ve spent countless hours perfecting the flavour profile. Capturing the essence of what works and eliminating everything that doesn’t. So it hits just the right notes with all the ingredients working in harmony to produce a medium-sweet zingy flavour. One that you could drink all night (even more so because it contains just 76 calories)!
The depth of flavour in the Crafty Nectar 0.5% is unlike anything else on the market. And we aren’t just saying that because it’s our creation, oh no. The Crafty Nectar family, including our patrons, have helped make our unicorn the world’s tastiest low alcohol cider!
If you’re considering trying a low alcohol cider or no alcohol cider, this really has to be the one to go for ;)
2. Sheppy’s Low Alcohol Classic - 0.5% Somerset
Sheppy’s is a brand that needs no introduction. They’ve been around since ages, and David Sheppy, the sixth-generation Master of Cider, is a genius. So after perfecting the art of a good traditional cider, Sheppy’s tried their hand at low alcohol ciders, too.
Designed to taste exactly like their award-winning Classic Draught Cider, this low alcohol cider manages to hit all the right notes for us. It uses a good selection of traditional & dessert apples from Somerset and scales down the ABV to just 0.5%. Now at first glance, it would be understandable to think that with such a low ABV, it would be similar to a no alcohol cider.
But it isn’t that simple.
As you may know, alcohol has a very distinct mouthfeel. And crafting cider (or even a beer for that matter) results in some alcohol being produced naturally. So the challenge most of these low alcohol and no alcohol ciders face is to feel that authentic.
With 0.5% ABV, Sheppy’s manages to limit alcohol content while still retaining the original experience of a proper cider.
So if you don’t mind a little booze in your beverage, give it a go. Buy Now.
3. Holly GoLightly0.5% - Herefords
Like all good things, the Holly GoLightly came to life thanks to Celtic Marches’ passion to provide the cider community with low alcohol ciders and no alcohol ciders that capture the spirit and original flavours of a standard craft cider producer.
They felt that space had far too many commercial offerings and needed the craft touch. And so Holly was born!
Going with Celtic Marches’ love for personifying their lovely ciders, Holly is a fun one. Even though she packs just 0.5% ABV, her flavour profile is just as refined and mature as one of their other offerings. What stands out is the lovely tannin aftertaste that’s only possible with 100% pressed cider apples.
Overall, Holly’s a great medium cider. Worth a look if you’re the designated driver or just prefer low alcohol ciders!
4. Courtneys Light 0.5% alcohol - Devon
Made from apples picked from the old Whiteways Orchards, around Whimple in East Devon, Paul and the Team have created a full flavoured but very low alcohol cider for the discerning palette.
Medium in style, making it a good everyday drinker, we are delighted this has made it in to our Top 6 for a great small Devonshire craft cider maker
5. Hogans High Sobriety 1% alcohol - Worcs
A cracker from Alan Hogan's stable, at 1% low alcohol cider, not alcohol free, deliciously light, zingy and refreshing medium dry, we challenge you to taste the difference.
Tasted and winning the seal of Approval on Sunday Brunch on TV, and awarded 5/5 by Alcohol Change, who promote less alcohol consumption. They and we can't be wrong, give it a whirl.
6. Rich's Low Alcohol 0.5% - Somerset
Brand new in the bottle for Spring 2023, long-standing Somerset Family Cider Makers Rich's has just dropped this cracker of a Low Alcohol Cider, after a number of years perfecting the technique.
A medium with light carbonation, big applely hit, and enough complexity you think you are drinking the real deal. Great to see another smaller producer nailing it in the Best Low Alcohol List too.
Time to Give Alcohol Free Cider a Try!
Whether you’re the designated driver or just prefer something that packs a little less booze-y punch, alcohol free and no alcohol ciders are great for the occasion. It would’ve been really hard to recommend one not too long ago due to the scarce number of high-quality ciders available in the market.
But with changing times, there have been some really fine ones that taste almost like the real deal – a proper cider! Why not Try each of our Top 6 Low Alcohol Ciders with our Tasting Case below ?
