Los Angeles is experiencing a craft cider renaissance that reflects broader shifts toward health-conscious, locally-sourced beverages. California drives summer consumption peaks, fueled by outdoor gatherings and tourism, making LA an ideal market for year-round cider appreciation.
The craft cider Los Angeles scene has matured significantly. Unlike the limited sweet cider options of the past, today's LA drinkers expect complexity, authenticity, and innovation. Local cideries like Ciderworks at Story Tavern in downtown Burbank are meeting this demand with handcrafted, small-batch ciders made from fruit sourced from local orchards—including apples picked from the owners' own backyard.
Several factors drive the hard cider LA trend. The gluten-free movement has opened doors for cider as a natural beer alternative. LA's farm-to-table ethos extends seamlessly to craft beverages. Most importantly, the city's diverse, adventurous drinking culture demands the kind of flavor innovation that hard cider uniquely delivers.
What Cider Flavor Profiles Are Los Angeles Drinkers Choosing?
The evolution of cider flavor profiles reflects changing consumer preferences and creative experimentation by craft producers. Today's LA drinkers explore a sophisticated spectrum of tastes.
Fruit-Forward and Exotic Blends
Fruit-forward flavors serve as growth drivers for the category, with LA consumers particularly drawn to vibrant, California-inspired combinations. At Ciderworks, award-winning flavors like cherry/blueberry, pineapple, ginger/lemongrass, and strawberry/orange showcase how fruit additions create complexity without overwhelming the apple base.
Popular fruit-infused profiles in LA include:
- Berry blends (cherry, blueberry, strawberry) for approachable sweetness
- Tropical options (pineapple, mango) reflecting Southern California's lifestyle
- Stone fruit combinations (peach, apricot) highlighting seasonal availability
- Citrus-enhanced ciders matching LA's fresh, bright culinary preferences
Dry and Heritage Apple Varieties
Sophisticated LA palates increasingly appreciate dry ciders made from heritage apple varieties. Ciders made with heritage apples are seeing 15% year-over-year sales growth, demonstrating strong consumer interest in authentic, terroir-driven beverages that deliver wine-like characteristics—crisp acidity, subtle tannins, and nuanced apple flavors that pair beautifully with food.
Imperial and Higher ABV Options
Imperial ciders have seen tremendous growth in value (plus 71.8%) and volume (plus 80.2%). These bolder ciders, typically 8-10% ABV compared to standard 5-6%, deliver concentrated apple flavors and fuller body that appeal to craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate intensity and complexity.
How Is Craft Cider Los Angeles Different From Other Markets?
The craft cider Los Angeles scene possesses distinct characteristics shaped by the city's culture, climate, and consumer preferences. LA's year-round warm weather creates consistent demand for refreshing beverages, unlike colder markets where consumption peaks seasonally.
The city's health-conscious population drives interest in gluten-free, lower-calorie alcoholic options. Cider naturally fits this niche, offering vitamins and antioxidants while maintaining moderate alcohol content. LA's farm-to-table movement also extends to beverages, with consumers valuing transparency about ingredients and sourcing.
Ciderworks exemplifies this approach, using fruit from local orchards and producing cider in-house where customers can tour the facility and witness the process firsthand. LA's cultural diversity influences flavor preferences, encouraging experimentation and rewarding bold combinations that reflect the city's global palate.
What Food Pairings Work Best With Hard Cider?
Understanding cider flavor profiles unlocks exceptional food pairing opportunities. Cider's versatility stems from its balance of sweetness, acidity, tannins, and carbonation.
Classic pairings for different cider styles:
- Dry, traditional ciders: Cheese plates, charcuterie, roasted chicken, pork dishes, and seafood
- Fruit-forward ciders: Spicy cuisines (Thai, Indian, Mexican), barbecue, and glazed salmon
- Imperial ciders: Braised short ribs, aged cheeses, duck confit, and chocolate desserts
At Ciderworks, the 100% gluten-free menu is thoughtfully designed to pair with their handcrafted ciders. Farm-to-table ingredients and hand-prepared dishes create harmonious flavor experiences where food and cider enhance each other.
What's Next for the Hard Cider LA Trend?
The hard cider LA trend shows no signs of slowing, with several emerging directions poised to shape the market's future.
Key trends to watch:
- Sustainability and local sourcing: More cideries will emphasize organic practices and transparent production methods
- Low-ABV options: The global low-ABV beverage market is projected to grow by 7.2% annually through 2030
- Innovative flavors: Expect botanical infusions, spice-forward profiles, and barrel-aged varieties
- Draft cider growth: Draft cider sales grew by 12% in 2024, with consumers citing improved taste
- Cider cocktails: Bartenders increasingly incorporate cider into creative cocktails
LA's innovative drinking culture makes it perfectly positioned to lead these trends. Rotating taps, seasonal offerings, and experimental flavors will keep consumers engaged while attracting new drinkers seeking novelty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hard Cider in Los Angeles
Is hard cider healthier than beer or wine?
Hard cider contains vitamins and antioxidants from apples while typically offering fewer calories than craft beer. Most ciders are naturally gluten-free, making them accessible to people with gluten sensitivities. However, sugar content varies by style—dry ciders contain less sugar than sweet varieties.
What's the difference between craft cider and commercial cider?
Craft cider uses higher-quality apples (often including heritage varieties), minimal additives, and traditional fermentation methods. Commercial ciders often use apple juice concentrate and artificial flavors. Craft producers like Ciderworks source fruit from local orchards and make cider in small batches for more complex, authentic flavors.
How should I store and serve hard cider?
Store cider bottles upright in a cool, dark place or refrigerate. Serve most ciders chilled (40-50°F) like beer. Pour into a wine glass or tulip glass to concentrate aromas and allow carbonation to develop properly.
Can I visit a cider-making facility in Los Angeles?
Yes! Ciderworks at Story Tavern in downtown Burbank offers monthly tours where visitors can see the entire cider-making process from fruit to finished product. These educational experiences provide insight into fermentation and flavor development while allowing tastings of various cider styles.
What cider style should I try first as a beginner?
Start with semi-sweet fruit-forward ciders like cherry/blueberry or strawberry blends. These approachable styles offer familiar fruit flavors with balanced sweetness. Once comfortable, explore dry ciders for more complex apple character, then progress to imperial or experimental styles.
Why is cider becoming more popular in Los Angeles specifically?
LA's combination of health-conscious consumers, farm-to-table culture, year-round outdoor dining, and adventurous palates creates ideal conditions for craft cider growth. The gluten-free movement particularly resonates in LA, where dietary preferences strongly influence beverage choices.
Experience Award-Winning Craft Cider at Ciderworks
The hard cider LA trend reflects more than passing fashion—it represents a fundamental shift toward quality, authenticity, and innovation in craft beverages. As the scene continues evolving, Ciderworks at Story Tavern remains at the forefront, crafting exceptional ciders that capture Southern California's spirit.
Visit our taproom at 150 S San Fernando Blvd in downtown Burbank to explore our full range of award-winning flavors, enjoy farm-to-table gluten-free cuisine, and discover why craft cider Los Angeles enthusiasts make Ciderworks their destination. Join our monthly tours or become a Cider Club member for exclusive access to limited releases and special events.
Whether you're new to cider or a seasoned enthusiast, Ciderworks offers the perfect environment to explore cider flavor profiles and understand what makes LA's cider scene so exciting.