Appley Ever After

Food & Drink

Appley Ever After!

A brief history of cider…and a cider cocktail

Apple trees have been cultivated since around the 5th century AD and cider, or something similar, seems to have been around for almost as long, although sometimes it was known as apple wine. It was brought to Britain by the Normans in around 1100 AD. Cider was originally a drink for the poor. Ale was made from malted barley and using grain for alcohol could mean going without bread. It was drunk instead of water because water at that time was often not safe to drink. The first settlers in America planted lots of apple trees simply so they could continue to make cider to drink. Originally it was made by crushing apples in a trough, until John Worlidge produced a special apple-mill in 1676. The best English cider is cask-conditioned; dry, fruity and with low carbonation. Normandy cider is sweeter and more effervescent with a complex taste. Both are perfect for consumption, chilled, on a warm summer evening. While a simple cider over ice is hard to beat, a cider sangria can take the drink to another level. Colourful, cold, fresh and fruity, it’s perfect for sharing with friends on a summer evening. Pour a bottle of dry white wine into a large jug – Pinot Grigio is perfect. Add 250ml lemonade, 125ml lime juice, a large handful of mint, and plenty of sliced strawberries, and orange and lime slices. Chill out for at least 15 minutes so the fruit infuses the drink and vice versa. Just before serving, add loads of ice and two bottles of your favourite cider. Enjoy! By Sarah Davey