When it comes to cider testing, we conduct rigorous taste tests to ensure that every bottle and can is worth your hard earned cash. We gather a number of cider samples that are either currently or soon to arrive on the market and taste each submission for our initial thoughts. Those that make it through the first round are then subject to further testing, where we compare like for like ciders to find the best in specific categories.

BUILD ME UP BUTTERSCOTCH Crystal Head Vodka infused with butterscotch, shaken with chocolate liqueur, vanilla, cream and a shot of coffee 16 You’re probably familiar with Old Rosie. It’s the original cloudy cider from Weston’s cider mill in the famed cider-making region of Herefordshire. It’s old-fashioned, it’s unfiltered, it’s cloudy and, at 6.8%, significantly stronger than all the other ciders on this list (and that’s after Weston’s reduced the ABV a few years ago. Nevertheless, for many cider lovers it holds a special place in their hearts. Weston’s has been making cider since 1880, pressing, blending and fermenting fruit from its orchards into ciders and perries. Today, the same mill and the same vast oak vats are used to deliver a huge variety of ciders; but Old Rosie (named after the company’s 1921 steam roller) is one of the best-known and loved. The taste is refreshingly sharp, almost scrumpy in style as a result of slow maturation, but with a lightness and dryness that makes it very drinkable. A reliable classic. Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Gin and Absolut Elyx Vodka shaken with lychee liqueur, fresh ruby grapefruit juice and a spot of sugar. 15 LYCHE AND ROSE MARTINI Our delicate twist on a lychee martini infused with a delicate character of this aromatic tropical fruit and aroma of rose. Sassy have managed to make an extremely well balanced sweet cider. Up front it’s very fruity. Plum working in tandem with raspberry yogurt, creates a rich foundation. Then comes a wave of bitters, subtle bittersweets, even out the score. The finish hangs around with more summer berries.

Nos cidres sont de véritables joyaux pour les amateurs de cidre artisanaux et de cidre poiré, rosé et brut. En bouche, vous apprécierez leur fine effervescence onctueuse, qui donne une sensation de fraîcheur et de rafraîchissement. Created to change perceptions of cidre, Maison Sassy’s ethos is all about creating high-quality, authentic, handcrafted products. Their products are all natural, made with 100% pure fruit juice from a complex blend of hand-selected cider apples and pears. 100% locally sourced, from fruit to bottling, their cidre also has a lower ABV and fewer calories than many ciders in the market. This means that the total sugar content in many of their ciders is much lower than other market alternatives. ISLAY SLEIGHS Ardbeg single malt 10 year old, Kahlua and oat milk shaken over ice. Finished with a gentle hint of honey and vanilla. 14 GOTHIC MANHATTAN A dark-hearted mix of Maker’s Mark Whiskey stirred with Antica Formula Vermouth and Jerry Thomas bitters.

GOOD CHEER Eminente Reserve rum, Hennessey VS, Grand Marnier shaken with lemon juice and Orgeat for a subtle hint of orange and almonds. Finished with a mulled wine float. 14 CHRISTMAS MARTINI Taking the classic Espresso Martini with added festive cheer. Belvedere Vodka shaken with a double espresso and Kahlua. Finished with notes of vanilla and caramel. 14 PINK MARGARITA Mijenta Blanco Tequila, pink grapefruit liqueur, fresh ruby grapefruit and pressed lime juice. Shaken and served with or without salt. 15.5 WESTERN INFLUENCE Villa Ascenti Rosa Gin stirred down with Velvet Falernum, red wine reduction, lime juice and Creole Tincture. Served with biscuit crumbles. 14.5 SWEET REVENGE An OXO legacy, Ketle One Vodka, shaken with grapefruit juice, raspberry ripple, pineapple juice and garnished with dried rose petals 14.5

Top 5 posts

Les variétés de pommes et de poires spécifiques sont soigneusement sélectionnées pour leur goût, leur texture et leur teneur en sucre pour garantir un cidre de qualité supérieure. POLAR NECTAR Singleton 12 Year Old whisky, Frangelico, Pedro Ximénez fortified sweet wine, frozen “Deep ocean” essence and mint bitters. 14.5

SLEIGH BELLS ALL THE WAY WhistlePig rye whiskey, Tawny port, cinnamon and lemon juice shaken and strained over ice. Finished with a dash of bitters and a spoonful of thyme and clementine marmalade. 17

Le Rosé Cidre is pretty low on fizz but it does hold a head of foam all the way to the bottom of the glass. Final Thoughts on Le Cidre Rosé Majestic its broadening its cider portfolio with a pair of gluten free, vegan, no added sugar products from Normandy cider and Calvados producer, Sassy. PINK SKY AT NIGHT A refreshing and lightly sparkling number. Grey Goose infused with strawberry and lemongrass, orange bitters, cranberry juice and a dash of lemon. 13.5 Sassy intends to add extra sparkle to the UK cider category, whilst modernising this beloved drink. The listing of Sassy Brut and Sassy Rosé in all the Majestic stores is an exciting start."