Cocktail-inspired ciders are on the rise. Make yours stand out

. . . flavor combinations, seasonal calendars, and more

Cocktail-inspired flavor profiles are taking the cider world by storm. What started with a cider mimosa here and a cider margarita there has now turned into a whirlwind of cider cocktails from some of the nation's most-loved cideries.

So for cider makers just beginning their foray into the world of cocktail ciders—aka "cidertails"—where is the best place to start?

GETTING STARTED

Lime-based flavor profiles are a popular starting point, especially when paired with ginger or salt. But why stop there? Lime beverages have been combined with herbs like mint or other fruits like cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon. Consider a truly memorable pairing like lime + blackberry or mango or peach.

You'll be in good company, joining the ranks of other cideries that are leading with lime:

• Pineapple or Strawberry flavored margaritas from 2 Towns Ciderhouse

• The black currant Moscow mule from Stowe Cider

• Mojitos from One Tree Hard Cider or Locust Cider

• "Mezcal Margarita" and Moscow mule from Graft Cider

• The margarita from Geo's Cider or the "Tillarita" from Glacial Till Vineyards

SEASONAL OPTIONS

We're seeing more cocktail-inspired cider launches during the summer months—picnics and beach days, anyone?—but these crafty cider SKUs aren't limited to warmer weather.

Here are a few suggestions for your year-round cider lineup:

• SPRING: Citrus and Berries . . . Strawberry basil margarita, grapefruit mimosa, blackberry rambler, blueberry Paloma

• SUMMER: Tropical Blends . . .  Sangria, mango mojito, piña colada, fruit punch, watermelon cucumber cooler, especially anything  passion fruit (which is trending)

• FALL: Stone Fruits + Spices . . .  Ginger pear bourbon, peach julep or bellini, cardamom plum bourbon

• WINTER: Barrel-aged Cherry, Cranberry, Tangerine . . .  Bourbon Cherry Old Fashioned, Cranberry Mimosa

EXPANDING THE LINEUP

As you continue developing cocktail-inspired ciders, keep in mind the potential for variety packs. Do your cocktail ciders complement each other? Does the packaging look good together when lined up for a photo? Will it be an ideal grab-and-go option for consumers headed to social events and needing something for everyone? (At the very least, consider including ciders from both ends of the dry-sweet scale.)

Here are a few cideries that crafted their own creative takes on the cocktail variety pack:

• Blake's bar cart series, with flavors that can be enjoyed on their own or used as mixers: Strawberry Lemonade, Tropicolada, Paloma, and Peach Party

• Woodchuck's brunch box featuring Pearsecco, Mimosa, Paloma, Bellini

• Angry Orchard's Tall Tales, inspired by cocktails (Old Fashioned, Perry Spritzer, Stone Fence, and Elderberry Blossom) and featuring local folklore 

NEXT STEPS

Need fruit ingredients to begin? Old Orchard supplies pails and drums of craft juice concentrate blends to cideries and other craft beverage segments nationwide. It only takes a moment to create a customer account and begin adding items to your cart

Syrah "Sy" Linsley is the manager of Old Orchard's bulk supply program, which primarily serves the craft beverage industry with craft juice concentrates. Her passion for fruit-forward beverage evolved from the three years she spent as a fruitarian (only eating fruit) as well as the few years she worked in product development and fermentation. The highlight of Sy's day is to connect with craft beverage makers, so don't be shy: schedule a "Taproom Chat" or hear back from her through our contact form.

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