Cider brings out the best in so many foods. Even better, it doesn’t have the formality of wine, yet still offers a range of surprising and complex options to make any get-together feel special. Here are a few ways to bring cider to the party!

Use the Season as Inspiration

Can’t figure out what to serve? Don’t overthink a menu – just look outside! Choose the ingredients and dishes based on what is ripe right now, then add your meats or proteins from there. Think about pairing ciders as a way to complement the texture or intensity of your menu’s dishes. Cider with apples and pork for fall is a classic that pairs beautifully with Liberty’s Stonewall Barrel Aged Cider. Try matching a light & bright summery meal with a classic like Alpenfire’s beautiful, rosy hued Glow.

Mix it Up

You wouldn’t offer just red or white wine at a dinner party. Same thing with cider. Try picking something bubbly and semi-dry to greet folks at the door like Slyboro’s La Sainte Terre. Then when folks dig into the main course, move on to a dry tart still cider like RedByrd’s Still Barrel.

Pair A Cider for Each Course

If you want to start with a light primavera pasta, the bright, fruity and tart notes of Eaglemount’s Rhubarb Cider make it a great pairing. Then try South Hill’s Bluegrass Russet for a savory beef dish A good rule of thumb for ordering courses and ciders is to start light and end bold. This way guests can taste each cider and dish clearly.

Finish with Something Special & Sweet

At the end of a fun evening, you could offer friends a simple scoop of ice cream with pie or an easy cheese board. As a last touch, we love to pull out an ice cider or a pommeau like Orchard Hill’s Ten66 Pommeau. The intense flavors always pair well with the rich sweetness of pecan pie.

These aren’t rules. Just ideas. Take what you like and run with it!