Austin, TX is known for it’s vibrant music, foodie scene, outdoor fun and creative communities. It is also home to Austin Eastciders thanks to an Englishman, Ed Gibson, a former cider country bar owner in England who moved to the East side of Austin. Missing his ciders, Ed got took out his recipes and got creative making a new kind of hard cider and spiked seltzers for Americans – Lower in sugar and calories.
Ed and his staff were kind enough to send me some samples to try. When I pulled a six pack of mixed ciders and seltzers out of the box, the first thing I noticed is his company has an eye for branding.
The cans are colorful with a gold top and pull top. The ingredients and nutritional facts are easy to read. Ed uses real cider apples that are sourced from Europe. These are rich in tannins and offer more complex flavors. With an alcohol by volume at 5%, these ciders contain about two-thirds less sugar than others. Plus they are gluten-free and certified kosher.
Popping open a can of Texas Honey Cider, I noticed a floral aroma and bubbly crispness. Taking a sip, the flavors include a hint of apple, and touch of Texas honey, cane sugar and brown sugar to produce a creamy caramel finish.
Like a good wine, cider pairs well with food. This 160 calorie Eastcider would go well with Manchego cheese and crackers, a fruity Waldorf salad and grilled chicken.
Other cider flavors include the Original, Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Pear and Rosemary, Pineapple, Watermelon, Rose’, and a Sangria Cider. For a lower calorie cider, Ed and his staff make a Brut Super Dry Cider, offering the sensory experience of a dry champagne and only 100 calories.
Austin Eastciders beverages also include their new real fruit Spiked Seltzers at 100 calories. They are refreshingly on the dry side, and made with cider, real ripe fruit, and offer only 2 grams of sugar. Flavors include: Peach, Apple and Black Cherry flavors.
Austin Eastciders can also be used as a mixer for a cocktail or with a shot of whiskey for a real kick!
Austin Eastcider can be ordered online and delivered to your front door to be enjoyed #SaferAtHome.
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