Ice cider is a beverage made from sweet ripe apples which have been allowed to freeze on the tree. The result is a rich drink with a slight acidity which makes it refreshing, rather than cloying, as many sweet ciders tend to be. Ice cider is also sometimes called apple ice wine, a reference to the grape-based beverage which inspired it. Specialty stores may carry ice cider, and it can sometimes be ordered directly from the producer, depending on prevailing laws about shipping alcohol in your region.
The history of ice cider actually begins with ice wine, a type of wine made from grapes which are left on the vine to freeze during the winter. Ice wine has long been produced in Germany and Canada, two nations which have winters cold enough to sustain the serious freeze needed. Canadian producers of cider realized that the same technique could be used to produce a unique cider, and they began experimenting with freezing their apple crops before pressing them.
Typically, ice cider is made from apples which are naturally sweet. The apples are either left on the tree to freeze during the winter months, or they are picked and stored in wooden crates in a cold area. After a prolonged freeze, the apples are pressed to produce juice and the juice is fermented into cider. Ice cider is typically fermented under cold conditions, extending the fermentation time to several months, and some producers handle their cider carefully so that it can be cellared.
Usually, ice cider will be made with several apple varieties. The blend takes advantage of the natural traits of several kinds of apples, creating layers of flavor which can get very complex. After sufficient fermentation, the ice cider is bottled and sent to market. The unique take on apple cider is distinctly different from other ciders, with a crisp, clean mouthfeel; it is best served cold.
There are a number of possible pairings for ice cider. The beverage can be offered after dinner, served with fruit, or paired with cheeses. Spicy foods also go well with iced cider, as the refreshing flavor can temper extreme spice, and the drink accompanies grilled and roasted fish well also. Iced cider may also sometimes be used in mixed drinks such as cocktails, and it can make an interesting conversation piece at holiday parties.