Why cider should be your Thanksgiving drink of choice
The menu at the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 is largely a matter of speculation, but the fact that Colonial settlers were pretty good drinkers in well known. Apple trees were among the first orchard crops planted in our fledgling country.
As a result, hard cider soon became the most popular drink in America. In fact, hard cider was consumed by both adults and children because it was not only delicious but also safer than the water — people and animals did things in that water! Most Colonial families were craft cider makers. Therefore, it’s a pretty good bet that cider
quickly became the preferred drink accompanying the annual Thanksgiving feast.
The temperance movement and then prohibition changed the order of things and cider faded in popularity in the 1900s. Cider is now experiencing a revival, however, as a bevy of creative, quality cider makers explore the many possibilities presented by modern American ciders.
At Carriage House Ciders we believe it’s time to restore cider’s place on your holiday table. Here are 6 reasons why:
- Perfect Pairing — Dry, European-style hard ciders are the perfect foil the many rich foods most people serve at their Thanksgiving feast. Ciders can pair beautifully with traditional dishes such as turkey and dressing, green bean casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, even apple pie.
- Light & Refreshing — Often effervescent and lighter than many alternatives, hard ciders cleanse the palate. Big in flavor but lower in alcohol, ciders won’t bog you down.
- Environmentally Friendly — Cider is one of the most sustainable, low impact alcoholic beverages. Less water is used in production. Orchards rarely require irrigation. Pomace, the pulp that results from pressing apples, can be fed to livestock, composted or even burned for heat.
- Historical Connection — Apples and cider are synonymous with the fall harvest. As the most popular drink in the colonies, ciders most certainly were served at Thanksgiving dinners throughout the colonies.
- Everybody’s Drink — Ciders are gluten-free, lower in calories than many other alcoholic beverages and children can “be like the adults” and enjoy fresh, non-alcoholic cider with their Thanksgiving dinner, too.
- New Experience — Apple cider on your Thanksgiving table will probably be a new experience for family and friends. Presenting something different is a great way to freshen your Thanksgiving experience.
Why not help your guests enjoy a new apple cider experience this Thanksgiving? Carriage House Ciders offers a curated Thanksgiving sampler of ciders that will pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving dinner this year.