Does hard cider go bad?

Knowing whether or not your hard cider can go bad is important to ensure it never goes to waste.

Hard cider has the same alcohol content as beer, but has a tasty, refreshing taste that’s kind of a twist on a childhood favorite: apple cider.

If you can’t remember how long hard cider has been sitting in a corner of your cupboard, you’ll want to know if you can enjoy it or bid it a sad goodbye as you pour it down the drain.

Does hard cider go bad?

Yes, hard cider can go bad. This is called aging hard cider, and while hard cider can keep for a few years, it tends to dry out over time. If left on the shelf too long, the cider can start to taste like vinegar.

It’s easy enough to tell if hard cider has gone bad, but the point is to understand when it can go bad, and how you can extend its shelf life so you never have to waste any alcohol.

What is hard cider?

Hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of the juice of a fruit. The most common is that it is made from the fermentation of apple juice.

It is called “hard” cider to distinguish it from non-alcoholic apple cider, which is made by pressing apples (or other fruit, depending on the type).

In most of Europe and the Americas, hard cider may be referred to simply as cider, depending on the context. It’s fruity, fresh, and has a much nicer taste than beer, making it a popular choice for many.

Is hard cider beer?

No, hard cider is not considered a beer. Both are fermented drinks, but that’s really the only similarity the two drinks have.

Beer is a fermented beverage that is brewed with malt and flavored with hops. Cider (hard) is made from fermented fruit juice, usually apples. The cider does not contain malt or hops.

Although they are beginning to make ciders that do contain hops. These contain some hop flavors and aromas, which many enjoy in beer, but are not brewed with malt, so they are still considered gluten-free.

What is the shelf life of hard cider?

Hard cider has a limited shelf life, like all other alcohols. Each brand of hard cider will have its own expiration dates, but the general rule of thumb is that hard cider has a life of about two years.

However, some only last up to 12 months, so it is very important to check the expiration date.

Although hard cider doesn’t necessarily go bad, the flavor profile will change and become more unpleasant over time. The flavor will deteriorate the longer the alcohol is allowed to sit, and it will take on a very vinegary taste.

Keep your cider in the right condition, stored correctly, and hard cider should keep until you’re ready to drink it. Try not to leave it for more than 2 years, and always try to check the expiration date.

When you take a hard cider out of the fridge, take the oldest first. If you make sure it’s first in, first out, neither is left to sit for too long!

How to tell if hard cider has gone bad

The best way to tell if hard cider is bad is to taste it. When the cider goes bad, it will taste much like apple cider vinegar , which is not at all pleasant to enjoy with dinner.

You may notice a sour or cider vinegar smell if it’s been sitting too long. The smell of vinegar should be immediately noticeable, and if you do, it’s best to drain the cider.

There is nothing wrong with drinking sour cider. There’s a chance you’ll get a few stomach cramps, but it’s really not harmful. It is better that you avoid drinking old cider.

How long does cider last in a barrel?

The duration of hard cider in a pourer depends on how the pourer is stored. If you make sure the can is kept tightly closed and left unopened and refrigerated in a fridge, hard cider can last up to 2-3 weeks.

It is best to consume your hard cider before this time to ensure that it retains its best flavor and quality.

Once opened, the hard cider should be consumed all at once or within 24 hours. The longer you leave a hard cider open, the more it will lose its flavor and start to go flat.

How to Store Hard Cider

Hard cider is considerably resistant, and withstands different temperatures well, as well as changes in light. It seems to last longer than other alcohols and is also quite easy to store.

Like beer, hard cider should be enjoyed slightly below room temperature, not ice cold. Enjoying hard cider at a warmer temperature allows you to appreciate the aromas and flavors even more.

The problem with this, however, is that keeping hard cider stored at room temperature can alter the flavor profile. And this can cause that vinegary taste.

Since hard cider is fermented, there is no need to keep it in the fridge once bottled or canned. But keeping it in the fridge will allow it to taste better for longer. You should store it at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t let the cider freeze . This could end up killing the yeast and altering the flavor of the hard cider entirely.

Store your bottles or cans of hard cider in the fridge, or in a bar cooler. Store them until you are ready to open them and enjoy their refreshing flavor.

If you prefer them at room temperature, you can store them in the fridge until you plan to drink them. Then you can take them out of the fridge and let them sit for a bit before drinking.

How to serve hard cider

To enjoy your cider, you must know how to serve it correctly.

Follow the tips below on how to serve and enjoy your hard cider to ensure it maintains its fresh and flavorful profile.

• Serve hard cider at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit . It is a temperature similar to that at which white wine is served. If the hard cider is served colder, it can be difficult to distinguish the different flavors. If it’s served too hot, it could just be unpleasant.
• When you serve a hard cider on tap, be sure to clean the tap. When a faucet isn’t properly cleaned, it can upset the delicate flavors. Hard cider also needs its own tap line as it is gluten free. You will be contaminated if you share the tap with the beer.
• Serve the hard cider in proper cider glasses. Make sure you have a container large enough to allow for proper aeration and turning . A footed glass also prevents the drinker’s hand from overheating the cider.
• To pair cider with food, think about what would go well with apple. This will help you better pair the fruity cider with your food . Chicken, pork, squash, and salads go well with cider.

Related questions

How long does cider keep once opened?

Once the cider is opened, you should keep it refrigerated and use the hard cider within 7 to 10 days . However, even though cider lasts this long, over time it will turn flat and just be unpleasant to drink.

Should you refrigerate hard cider?

Hard cider is a perishable product, and hard cider does not contain preservatives. Refrigeration is the best way to ensure that hard cider is kept for as long as possible.

Should hard cider be served on the rocks?

Unless it is a personal preference, hard cider should not be served over ice. It should be served slightly cold, and not hot, but not ice cold either. Adding ice to hard cider dulls the flavor and also dilutes the hard cider.

It is best to leave the hard cider in the fridge, and take one out, serve it in a glass and enjoy it at the temperature it is. It’s a simple drink, and it doesn’t need much preparation!

Does hard cider go bad?

Hard cider can go bad, but it doesn’t go bad in the same way as other foods. If left to sit too long, the cider can take on a sour taste, and it can end up tasting just like apple cider vinegar!

To make sure you don’t end up with a mouthful of vinegar, store hard cider in the fridge, and make sure you use it within 2 years.

Different hard ciders have different shelf lives, so be sure to take note of the recommended expiration date.