In the months of autumn, Apple Cider reaches its peak of popularity during as it starts to get colder outside, and people want a seasonal drink to sip as they enjoy the fall and prepare for winter.

Although apple cider is at its seasonal peak, it is not the easiest to find. Most restaurants don’t serve it, and many coffee shops do not have it on display. Despite this, I found and tried three very different types of apple cider. 

First, was Grandpa’s Cider Mill, locally-made apple cider from Whole Foods.   Upon my first sips of the cider I was reminded why I didn’t really like apple cider. This cider was dense, heavy and no amount of cinnamon could make it taste better. The listed ingredients was only apples, which made it taste too bland for my liking. I felt that Grandpa’s Cider Mill cider needed something more, such as  more ingredients. I felt very discouraged after drinking this cider because I realized that I had to try more. This was one out of three apples.

Second, I went to Starbucks and ordered their Caramel Apple Spice Drink and it redeemed apple cider for me. The ingredients consist of apple juice, cinnamon dolce syrup, whipped cream, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, water, heavy cream, and nonfat dry milk. Although it didn’t have any apple cider, I felt that it tasted as I envisioned apple cider should. . It was sweet  and almost dessert-like. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside as good cider should. The Starbucks cider was three out of three apples.

Lastly,  I tried Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider from Target’s Halloween section Unlike the other drinks, it was bubbly–which I personally do not like–otherwise, it was quite delicious. The cider was made with juice from fresh apples, hence why it tasted like carbonated apple juice. The sparkle cider was two out of three apples. 

If you feel like trying something new, try apple cider. It is a great drink to have to put you in the fall spirit. I suggest trying a more dessert-like rendering, rather than plain apple cider if it is your first time trying it and are unsure if you like it. You can find it most places, although you may have to look harder than you normally would.