Cider is better than beer because it offers a wide variety of flavors, lower calorie count, is gluten-free, and has a rich history. As someone who has been brewing for years, I’ve had my fair share of beer and cider. While I enjoy both, I have a special place in my heart for cider. There’s something about the crisp, fruity flavor that makes it the perfect drink for any occasion. In this blog post, I will dive into the reasons why cider is better than beer, and why you should give it a try if you haven’t already.
Cider Offers More Variety in Flavors
A World of Apples
One of the main reasons cider is better than beer is the sheer variety of flavors available. Cider is made from apples, and there are over 7,500 different apple varieties in the world. Each variety has its unique flavor profile, which means that there’s a cider out there to suit everyone’s taste.
Experimenting with Additional Fruits and Spices
Additionally, cider can be flavored with other fruits and spices, making the possibilities truly endless. Some popular cider flavors include pear, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and even pineapple. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg can also be used to create unique and delicious ciders.
Cider for Every Season
The versatility of cider also means that there’s a perfect cider for every season. In the fall, you can enjoy a warm, spiced cider while watching the leaves change. In the summer, a cold, fruity cider can be the perfect refreshing drink to cool down with.
With so many flavors and styles to choose from, cider offers a wider variety than beer, making it a more exciting and versatile beverage.
Cider is Lower in Calories
If you’re watching your caloric intake, cider is a better choice than beer. On average, a 12-ounce serving of cider contains around 150-200 calories, while the same serving size of beer has around 200-300 calories. This means that you can enjoy a cider without feeling guilty about the calories.
Cider is a more waistline-friendly option than beer, allowing you to indulge without sacrificing your diet.
Cider is Gluten-Free
For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, cider is a fantastic alternative to beer. Since cider is made from apples, it is naturally gluten-free. With the rise in gluten-free diets, many breweries are now offering gluten-free beer options, but these can sometimes be hard to find and may not taste as good as traditional beer.
Cider is a naturally gluten-free option, making it a more accessible and enjoyable choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cider Has a Rich History
The Roots of Cider
The history of cider dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that it was first made around 1300 BC. The Romans and Greeks were known to enjoy cider, and it was a popular drink throughout the Middle Ages in Europe.
The American Cider Tradition
Cider was also a staple drink in colonial America, where it was often safer to drink than water. In fact, John Adams, the second president of the United States, was known to drink a tankard of cider every morning to maintain his health. The popularity of cider in America declined in the early 20th century due to Prohibition and the rise of beer, but it has made a comeback in recent years.
The rich history of cider adds to its allure, making it a drink with a fascinating past that you can enjoy today.
Cider Pairs Well with Food
While beer can sometimes overpower the flavors of food, cider has a more subtle taste that complements a wide range of dishes. The fruity and slightly acidic nature of cider makes it a great pairing for cheese, seafood, and poultry, as well as spicy and rich dishes.
Cider’s versatile flavor profile allows it to enhance the flavors of your meal, making it a better choice for food pairings than beer.
Cider is Easier to Brew at Home
For those interested in home brewing, cider is a simpler and more forgiving option than beer. Cider requires fewer ingredients and equipment, making it a more accessible option for beginners. Additionally, cider has a shorter fermentation time, which means you can enjoy your homemade brew sooner than you would with beer.
The simplicity and accessibility of home brewing cider make it a more appealing option than beer for those looking to try their hand at brewing.
Cider is More Environmentally Friendly
Less Water Consumption
Cider production requires less water than beer production, making it a more environmentally friendly option. On average, it takes approximately 20 gallons of water to produce one gallon of beer, while only 10 gallons of water are needed to produce one gallon of cider.
Sustainable Apple Orchards
Apple orchards, where cider apples are sourced, also provide numerous environmental benefits. They help to prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, and provide habitats for wildlife. Many cider producers also prioritize sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the cider you enjoy has a minimal impact on the environment.
Cider’s lower water consumption and sustainable apple orchards make it a more environmentally friendly choice than beer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cider is better than beer for a multitude of reasons:
1. Cider offers a wider variety of flavors due to the different apple varieties and the addition of other fruits and spices.
2. Cider is lower in calories than beer, making it a more diet-friendly option.
3. Cider is naturally gluten-free, providing a more accessible choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Cider has a rich history dating back thousands of years, adding a fascinating element to the beverage.
5. Cider pairs well with food, enhancing the flavors of your meal without overpowering them.
6. Cider is easier to brew at home, making it a more accessible option for home brewing enthusiasts.
7. Cider is more environmentally friendly due to its lower water consumption and sustainable apple orchards.
8. Cider is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in any season and on any occasion.
So, the next time you’re looking for a new beverage to try, consider reaching for a cider instead of a beer. You might just find your new favorite drink.
FAQs
What is the healthiest alcohol?
There is no definitive answer to what is the healthiest alcohol as all types of alcohol have potential health benefits and risks depending on various factors such as the amount consumed, frequency of consumption, and individual health status. However, some studies suggest that red wine may have health benefits due to its antioxidant content, while others suggest that moderate consumption of beer may also have health benefits due to its high content of vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, the key to healthy alcohol consumption is moderation and responsible drinking habits.
What alcohol is easiest on the liver?
There is no such thing as an alcohol that is easy on the liver. All forms of alcohol can cause damage to the liver over time with excessive consumption.
Is vodka or tequila healthier?
Neither vodka nor tequila is inherently healthier than the other. Both are alcoholic beverages and should be consumed in moderation. However, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which has been shown to have potential health benefits such as aiding digestion and lowering blood sugar levels.
What drink is easy on liver?
Water is the easiest drink on the liver.
What alcohol is most harmful to the liver?
The alcohol that is most harmful to the liver is ethanol, which is found in all alcoholic beverages.
Which alcohol is hardest on liver?
All types of alcohol can be harmful to the liver if consumed in excess, but heavy and chronic consumption of hard liquor, such as whiskey, vodka, and rum, can cause more damage to the liver than beer or wine due to their higher alcohol content.
