It is well known that the UK is a country with “alcohol” in its blood, and while the British may not eat, they must drink. Pubs are an indispensable part of their weekly routine. You can’t eat without a pub or party without a pub, and when there’s a football match on the weekend, the pubs are packed early. Every time you go to the supermarket, you will be shocked by the wall of the liquor section. There is a wide range of alcohol, spirits, beer, wine, fruit, wine, etc., rich categories that you have to follow the heart. Today, I will recommend cider you can buy in the supermarkets so that students are clear when purchasing liquor.
Best Ciders in UK for Students
For students living in the UK, finding a cider that is both affordable and enjoyable can be a challenge. Luckily, most major supermarkets carry a range of British ciders that suit different tastes and budgets. In our UK Supermarkets blog, you can explore where to buy the best ciders and other essentials while keeping costs low. Below are the top 6 cider brands in the UK.
Cider, also known as apple wine (French: Le cidre), is an alcoholic beverage made from apple juice and is the world’s second-largest fruit wine after wine. Cider is popular in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, the USA, etc. Cider is more fruity and sweet than other fruit wines and is very palatable for those who don’t like alcohol, making it a must-have for parties.
Rekorderlig
Rekorderlig is a classic cider brand from Sweden. They have a lot of flavours and are usually favourites in UK pubs because they can satisfy so many customers. From Apple to Pear, Strawberry with Lime, Strawberry Black with Gallon, Peach with Almond, Wild Berry Blend, Passion Fruit, Apple with Honeydew Melon, Mango with Raspberry, and an exceptional winter cider with cinnamon and vanilla flavours to bring you a whole new taste experience. Particularly recommended passion fruit flavour, known as the “king of fruit juice” of the precious fruit, added to the cider, a bottle opened, fragrant, and beauty effects, girls must not miss. In the UK, all supermarkets will have one!
Kopparberg
Kopparberg is a must-buy Cider in the UK; it’s a Swedish brand. It also has a wide range of flavours, including raspberry, mixed fruit, lemon, pear and strawberry lime, which are very drinkable and will not step on thunder. It is worth mentioning that Kopparberg also provides a non-alcoholic version of Cider. Partners can not drink alcohol; partners can choose the non-alcoholic version as a sparkling juice drink.
Strongbow
Strongbow is the No.1 cider brand in the UK, and many supermarkets provide cider from them. Strongbow cider comes in four flavours: Original is their traditional and best-selling apple flavour; Dark Fruit is a new model launched in 2013, with the addition of stronger-coloured berries like blackcurrant and blackberry; Pear (pear flavour), which has a more pungent taste than the two brands recommended above; Citrus Edge is a new product launched in 2014, adding lime on top of the apple, with a bit of bitter flavour and a taste close to that of beer, which makes it very suitable for a drink at a bar while watching football, and an excellent feeling of being drunk but not drunk. Overall, Strongbow has a more robust, heavier flavour and is suitable for drinking alcohol.
Magners
Magners is Ireland’s favourite fruit wine brand and national brand. In the UK, supermarket popularity is also very high, almost only after Strongbow, ranked second, the impression of summer will almost be pushed crowded like a mountain to the supermarket’s most conspicuous aisle. Magners often have to sponsor several football matches, so the pub is very much like a cider brand, so a lot of fans will choose this one. Magners has a small range of flavours, with apple and pear being the main ones, two of the UK’s favourite flavours.
Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider
Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider is a cider from a farm in the Highlands of Scotland that is as thick and atmospheric as Scotland. It’s a crossover flavour between cider and Scottish Thistly, so it has the cask flavour of whisky, vanilla and apple, and they top out at 7.2% abv, so be sure to check it out when you buy it. Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider isn’t available in all the UK sups, and although they have a global footprint, they’re all only partnered with a few pubs, hotels, restaurants or some small shops. There are partners on their website, so if you want to try this wine, check out the website for purchasing information.
Cornish Orchards Blush
Located in the southwest corner of England, Cornwall has the advantage of producing many local specialities, such as milk from local farms, ice cream, eggs, and cider. Cornish Orchards Blush is brewed using locally grown fruits in Cornwall, and it has won the National Gold Medal in the British Cider Championships. They have blended many of them to give it a unique taste. They blend a lot of fruit for a unique flavour that makes you feel like you’re drinking champagne. However, their cider is generally sold in farm supermarkets in the Cornwall area and can be ordered from their website.
Top Cider Brands in the UK: A Quick Comparison
| Best Cidesr UK | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Typical Taste | Price/Can | Sweetness Level (1–5) | Main Supermarkets | Best For |
| Strongbow | Classic, Crisp, Dry | £1.50 – £2.00 | 2 | All: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op | Parties, Pubs |
| Bulmers | Sweet, Rich Fruit | £2.00 – £2.50 | 4 | Most: Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s | Over Ice, Socialising |
| Magners | Balanced, Crisp, Slightly Sweet | £1.75 – £2.25 | 3 | All major ones, very common | The Original over Ice |
| Kopparberg | Very Sweet, Fruity Soda | £2.00 – £2.50 | 5 | All major ones, very common | Beginners, Summer |
| Thatchers | Balanced, Apple-y | £1.75 – £2.25 | 3 | All major ones, especially popular in the South West | All-Rounder |
| Aspall | Premium, Dry, Complex | £2.25 – £2.75 | 1 | Premium ones: Waitrose, M&S, larger Sainsbury’s/Tesco) | Special Occasions |
Conclusion
Navigating the UK supermarket ciders doesn’t have to be complicated. While the sheer number of options can seem daunting, it all comes down to your personal taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful option for a house party or a flavourful treat for a sunny day, there’s a perfect cider waiting for you on the shelf.
FAQ
Indeed, cider is immensely popular in the United Kingdom. It is widely available at pubs, off-licences, and shops throughout the country. Moreover, cider has seen a growth of 5.2% in off-trade value sales over the past year, indicating its increasing popularity among consumers.
Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It can range from a sweet, refreshing drink to a dry and complex one. Cider can be still or sparkling, and its alcohol content varies from 2-8% ABV.
Yes, many UK supermarkets offer seasonal ciders, especially during the autumn and winter months. These may include spiced ciders or mulled ciders that are perfect for colder weather. Keep an eye out for limited edition flavours and special offers.
Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl generally offer the cheapest ciders. Their own brands, such as Aldi’s Taurus Cider, provide excellent value and are often the most budget-friendly option, costing around £1 per can.
Kopparberg, particularly flavours like Strawberry & Lime or Mixed Fruits, is the best choice. It tastes more like a sweet, fizzy fruit drink than a traditional alcoholic beverage, making it very popular among beginners or those who prefer less “cidery” flavours.
