Exciting Trends in Hard Cider

The hard cider industry is in the midst of a renaissance, with producers and consumers alike embracing innovation and creativity. This evolution offers incredible opportunities to refine the craft, attract new customers, and stand out in a competitive market. Let’s explore some of the most exciting trends shaping the hard cider world in 2025 and beyond and how they can inspire your next move.

1. Crafting Unique Flavor Profiles

Gone are the days of just "sweet" or "dry" ciders. Today’s cider makers are experimenting with a wide range of flavors, incorporating ingredients like elderflower, hibiscus, ginger, and even hops to create bold and unique profiles. Studies have shown that consumers increasingly favor products with novel and adventurous flavors, with 68% of millennial drinkers preferring beverages that offer something new and unexpected. For producers, this trend emphasizes the importance of innovation—whether it’s creating limited-edition releases or blending apples with other fruits like cherries, pears, and peaches to appeal to adventurous palates.

2. Focus on Heritage Apples

Using heritage apple varieties isn’t just a nod to tradition; it’s a chance to deliver a richer and more authentic cider experience. Heritage apples, often more tannic and complex than table varieties, provide depth and character that modern cider lovers crave. According to the American Cider Association, ciders made with heritage apples are seeing a 15% year-over-year sales growth, demonstrating strong consumer interest. Cider makers can benefit by partnering with local orchards or growing their own specialty apples to ensure a consistent and distinctive product.

3. Low-ABV and Sessionable Options

Health-conscious drinkers are seeking out low and no-alcohol and sessionable beverages, creating an opportunity for producers to meet this demand.  Since no-alcohol Cider is simply apple juice, cider producers should be focused on low-ABV, sessionable options.  The global low-ABV beverage market is projected to grow by 7.2% annually through 2030, with cider playing a key role in this expansion. Offering lighter options in the 3-5% ABV range allows customers to enjoy multiple servings without overindulging. Positioning these products for daytime events or wellness-oriented audiences can further expand your market reach.

4. Cider on Draft

Draft cider is quickly becoming a customer favorite, thanks to its enhanced flavor and freshness, and more bars and restaurants having taps dedicated to non-beer products such as kombucha, craft soda, wine, and of course, cider.  A report from the National Beverage Trends Survey highlighted that draft cider sales grew by 12% in 2024 alone, with consumers citing improved taste as a primary factor. Increasing your draft presence can increase visibility and drive sales. Increased draft offerings also allow you to showcase experimental or small-batch ciders, giving regular patrons something new to look forward to.

5. Rotating Seasonal Taps

Rotating seasonal taps are a fantastic way to keep your offerings dynamic and encourage repeat visits. Spring-inspired floral ciders, autumn spiced blends, and holiday-themed flavors build excitement and anticipation. A 2023 survey of taproom patrons revealed that 72% of respondents were more likely to revisit a location with a rotating seasonal menu. Consider tying these offerings to local events or festivals to maximize their impact.

6. Cider as a Culinary Companion

Hard cider’s versatility makes it an ideal beverage for food pairings. Hosting cider-pairing dinners, creating pairing guides, or collaborating with local chefs can highlight your products and expand their appeal. The Craft Beverage Institute found that cider pairs especially well with pork, sharp cheeses, and caramel-based desserts, creating a range of opportunities to position your brand as a dining staple.

7. Sustainability and Transparency

Eco-conscious practices are increasingly important to today’s consumers. Whether it’s using organic apples, adopting zero-waste production, or reducing packaging waste, sustainability initiatives can set your brand apart. Nielsen research indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products, making this an investment in both ethics and profitability. Additionally, transparent labeling that details ingredients and production methods can build trust with your audience and encourage loyalty.

8. Innovative Packaging

Packaging plays a crucial role in attracting customers and telling your brand story. Cans, in particular, are gaining traction for their portability and eco-friendliness. According to the Brewers Association, canned cider sales grew by 19% in 2024, driven by their convenience and recyclability. Consider eye-catching designs or limited-edition packaging for seasonal releases to boost appeal. Exploring sustainable materials like compostable cartons can also resonate with eco-minded buyers.

9. Hard Cider Cocktails

Mixologists are finding new ways to incorporate cider into creative cocktails, showcasing its versatility. For cider makers, collaborating with local bars or creating cocktail recipes featuring your products can open up new revenue streams. The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 trend report highlights cider cocktails as one of the fastest-growing beverage categories, offering a unique opportunity for brand promotion. Offering cider mixers or cocktail kits in your taproom or online store can further capitalize on this trend, but don’t forget the canned cocktail revolution is out there too.  Get on board!

10. Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Accessibility

Expanding your offerings to cater to diverse and increasingly environmentally conscious audiences is key to staying competitive. The gluten-free nature of cider already makes it an excellent beer alternative.  What else makes your cidery inclusive, accessible, or sustainable?  Do you have a diverse workforce?  How about a certain practice that saves energy or other resources?  Highlighting these inclusivity and sustainabilityaspects in your marketing can broaden your appeal and ensure no customer is left out.

The hard cider industry is bubbling over with innovation, and for cider makers and brewery owners, the possibilities are endless. By embracing these trends and staying ahead of the curve, you can create products that delight customers and position your brand for long-term success. Cheers to pushing the boundaries of hard cider!