Cider culture is huge worldwide and has been growing steadily in Kenya. Cider is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples. Other fruits can be used to make cider-like drinks, the most popular is made from fermented pear juice, known as perry, but apples are still the primary source of cider.

There have been a number of great cider brands in the Kenyan market, especially driven by EABL. It’s no wonder that the variety keeps growing.

Sikera Premium Apple Cider is the latest entrant into the market, and comes in a 300ml bottle pack with an ABV of 4.5 percent and at a recommended price (RRP) of Kshs 150.

I’ve had the cider and liked it, and of course enjoyed it in more than one way. If you’re looking to enjoy your Sikera cider in more than just one way, here are some fun options.

Chilled Sikera

Pick up a bottle and enjoy it. It’s a cider on the dry side without a lot of sugar and a distinct apple taste. It’s best served chilled and perfect as a every day easygoing drink.

Cider Collins

If you want to experiment with different ways to enjoy your cider, a cocktail is a great way to do it. Gin is a perfect start especially if you’re looking for something that is not overwhelming on flavour.

My favourite gin and cider cocktail is easy to make and very refreshing.

Ingredients:
2 ounces of botanical gin
Club soda
Sikera Cider
Lime juice

Directions:

  1. Pour two ounces of gin in a tumbler, add cider and lime juice and top off with club soda.
  2. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cider Spritzer

A spritzer is a fun, easy drink perfect for sunny days at brunch. Ditch the white wine and opt for cider to spice things up!

Ingredients:
Thinly sliced apples
2 ounces of bourbon
1 ounce Aperol
Club soda
Sikera Cider

Directions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add the Aperol, bourbon, cider and top with club soda.
  3. Add the garnishes and serve.

Cider Sangria

Who doesn’t love a good sangria? Change things up and use cider instead of wine. You can easily whip up a whole batch for your house parties by scaling this recipe.

Ingredients:
1 cup of thinly sliced apples
1 orange thinly sliced
1 cup chilled apple juice
2 spoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup of brandy
1 bottle of Sikera cider

Directions:

  1. Combine the apples with the orange, apple juice, lemon juice and brandy in a pitcher.
  2. Add the cider just before serving.
  3. Serve in tall glasses over ice.

Apple Cinnamon Cider Cocktail

This is a cocktail bursting with flavour and great to warm you up when the weather isn’t cooperating. It requires a bit of prep time but you can make a big batch and store it.

Ingredients:
1 cup whiskey
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1 piece of orange peel
Sikera cider

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the whiskey, cinnamon sticks, star anise and orange peel. Bring to a simmer and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat, pour everything into a mason jar and seal tightly. Allow to cool completely.
  2. To make the cocktail, add 1 1/2 oz of the infused apple whiskey to a glass and top with 10oz cider.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and small piece of orange peel.

I hope you enjoy your Sikera cider!

mwendeLifestyle
Cider culture is huge worldwide and has been growing steadily in Kenya. Cider is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples. Other fruits can be used to make cider-like drinks, the most popular is made from fermented pear juice, known as perry, but apples are still the...