Seven Local Rosé Ciders to Try This Spring
Drink pink—and on-trend—with these sunny sips from New England and New York.
From our iPhones to our Le Creusets, dusty, warm, pretty pink is everywhere in 2018. That includes inside rosé-tinted glasses—and we’re not just talking wine.
Made with red-tinged apples, or infused with strawberries, blackcurrants, tangy hibiscus, or other pink produce, rosé cider is the sip of the spring. Big brands like Strongbow (owned by Miller Coors) and Angry Orchard (owned by Samuel Adams parent Boston Beer Co.) are getting attention for kickstarting this trend, but our favorite takes on rosé ciders come from smaller, craft producers in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York. Here are seven pink drinks to seek out this season.
Photo provided by Artifact Cider
Artifact Cider Project
By Any Other Name
Cider maker Soham Bhatt laced this blend of Massachusetts apples with a small amount of blackcurrants for the pink hue, and fermented it to emphasize floral notes and fruit flavors. It’s dry, lush, and oh-so-Instagrammable. Look for these pretty cans in stores through the summer season, and visit the Everett cider house on Saturdays to try a sample if it’s available.
/ Photo provided by Bantam Cider
Bantam Cider Co.
Hibiscus Mint
The team behind this Somerville cider house picked the right time to can this longstanding taproom favorite: Your first chance to pick up a magenta-filled four-pack is at the taproom this Saturday, May 5, during Bantam’s Kentucky Derby party. The limited run should last in the market about a month and a half, but if you miss it, the year-round, tart cherry Rojo is always a rosy choice.
Photo provided by Citizen Cider
Citizen Cider
bRosé
Fermenting Vermont-grown blueberries along with local, sweet cider gives this year-round cider its distinctive color, and its balanced sweetness.
Photo provided by Far From the Tree Cider
Far From the Tree
Patch
A seasonal favorite from these Salem-based cidermakers, this cider is dressed up with ripe strawberries and aromatic basil for an herbaceous, tangy taste of summer. It’s on store shelves now, though, and should stick around the taproom through at least June.
Photo provided by Graft Cider
Graft Cider
Fields & Flowers
This Hudson Valley, N.Y. house specializes in sour ciders, and its rotating “gose style” series, including this spring seasonal, takes a cue from the German beer style by adding a hint of salt. In this case, it’s pink sea salt, plus rose hips, hibiscus, and rooibos for a tart-fruity and floral flavor.
Photo provided by Shacksbury Cider
Shacksbury
Rosé
Marquette grape skins sourced from Vermont wineries give this juice its dark pink color and fruity body. It’s crisp and refreshing, with sweetness reminiscent of juicy strawberry and peach—and it’s the latest year-round can offering from the innovative Vermont cidermakers.
Wölffer Estate Vineyards
No. 139 Dry Rose
This Hamptons, N.Y. winery also makes traditional rosé-style wines, and even a pink gin. This cider first caught our eyes with its bold floral bottles, and it won our hearts with its crushable crispness and sleek new cans.
