Is somersby apple cider alcoholic?

Is Somersby Apple Cider alcoholic? Yes. It’s a real alcoholic cider, and the 330mL cans listed in New Zealand are 4.5% ABV. That figure means alcohol by volume: 4.5% of the liquid in the can is alcohol. It tastes sweet and fruity and it’s served cold, so it can come across like a soft drink, but it isn’t one. You need to be 18 or over to buy it.

The rest of this article covers what the 4.5% tells you, how the cider is described, how it differs from beer, and what to look at on the label before you buy.

Does Somersby Apple Cider Have Alcohol in It?

It does. Somersby Apple Cider is an alcoholic cider, and the 10×330mL pack is listed at 4.5% ABV.

The mix-up is understandable. A sweet, fizzy apple drink in a colourful can looks a lot like something you’d give the kids at a barbecue. But cider is made by fermenting apples or apple-based ingredients, and fermentation is what produces alcohol. Sweetness has nothing to do with it.

Alcohol-free ciders do exist, and they make that obvious on the packaging, usually with “0%” or “alcohol free” in big print. If the can doesn’t say that, assume there’s alcohol inside.

What Does 4.5% ABV Actually Mean?

ABV is the share of a drink’s volume that is pure alcohol. Picture 100 mL of the cider: 4.5 mL of it is alcohol, and the rest is water, apple-based liquid and flavouring. The higher the percentage, the stronger the drink.

It’s worth knowing for a few reasons:

• It lets you compare drinks on the same scale. A 4.5% cider and a 4.5% beer have the same alcohol concentration, even though they taste nothing alike.
• It helps you keep track of how much you’re drinking.
• It’s the fastest way to tell an alcoholic drink from an alcohol-free one.

You’ll find it printed on the can, usually as “4.5% alc./vol.” near the volume. New Zealand labels also generally show the number of standard drinks, and that figure is the one to go by rather than your own rough maths. Formulations and packaging can change, so the can in your hand is a better source than any website, this one included.

What Does Somersby Apple Cider Taste Like?

We haven’t tasted it ourselves, so this comes from the product description: a sweet, fruity apple cider with sparkling carbonation. Here’s what that suggests.

Apple leads. The main flavour is apple, not the bitter, toasty notes you get from a lot of beers.

It leans sweet. If you like dry, tart ciders, this style may feel sugary. If you like something softer and fruitier, it may suit you better.

It’s fizzy. Expect plenty of bubbles rather than a flat, still drink.

Some tartness is normal. Apples naturally carry a bit of acidity, which stops sweet drinks from feeling heavy. There’s no official tasting note on the finish, though, so we won’t pretend to describe it precisely.

Temperature matters. Cold generally tastes crisper, while a warm can tends to taste sweeter and flatter.

What Are Somersby Apple Cider Cans?

This listing is a 10-pack of 330mL cans, which adds up to 3.3 litres, with each can being a single serve.

Cans suit people who like their drinks pre-portioned. Each one is a set amount, so it’s easier to keep track than topping up a glass from a big bottle. They’re light, they stack neatly in a fridge and they fit in a chilly bin. You can also open one and leave the rest sealed.

One thing to watch: single cans, 6-packs, 10-packs and bottles can look alike online and on the shelf. Check the pack size before you commit.

Is Somersby Apple Cider a Beer?

No, it’s a cider. Both are alcoholic, but they start with different ingredients.

Cider is generally made from fermented apple juice or other apple-based ingredients. Beer is generally made from fermented grain, most often barley, usually with hops added. That difference shows up in the glass: cider tends to taste fruity and often sweet, while beer tends to taste malty, hoppy or bitter.

If you’re avoiding grains for dietary reasons, don’t rely on general rules. Read the ingredient and allergen information on the product itself, or contact the manufacturer.

How Does It Compare With Beer?

Take this as a general guide, not a rule. Beer strength varies a lot, from light beers under 3% to some craft beers well above 7%. Plenty of beers sit close to 4.5%, and other ciders can be stronger or weaker. The label is the only way to know a specific drink’s strength.

How Should You Serve It?

Cold. It’s best served chilled, and a few hours in the fridge is enough.

Drinking from the can is fine, and so is pouring it into a glass. Some people add ice, which keeps it cold but waters it down as it melts, so it’s a personal call. We haven’t found manufacturer guidance on ice, so check the packaging if you want the brand’s own suggestion.

Once a can is open, finish it. The fizz fades quickly and a flat cider isn’t much fun.

Is It Suitable for Everyone?

No, and that’s true of any alcoholic drink.

• Age: You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol in New Zealand.
• Driving: Don’t drink and drive. Sort out how you’re getting home before you open a can.
• Pregnancy, medication, personal reasons: If you’re pregnant, taking medication that doesn’t mix with alcohol, or have been told to avoid alcohol, don’t drink it. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer personal health questions.
• Laws: Follow New Zealand’s alcohol laws, including the rules on supplying alcohol to other people.

Nobody has to drink to enjoy a get-together, and an alcohol-free option is always a fine choice. Cider isn’t a health product, and a sweet apple flavour doesn’t change that. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, the Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) offers free, confidential support.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Most confusion comes from not reading the label. A quick check covers it:

1. ABV: Look for the percentage. It’s the clearest sign the drink contains alcohol.
2. Can size: 330mL is common, but not the only size.
3. Pack size: Single can, 6-pack or 10-pack?
4. Flavour: Somersby sells more than one variety, so make sure you’ve picked apples.
5. Ingredients and allergens: Worth reading if you have dietary needs.
6. Alcoholic or alcohol-free: The packaging should make this clear.
7. Chilling space: It’s best cold, so think about a fridge room.
8. ID: Have it on you in case you’re asked.

This is usually the moment people stand in front of a fruity-looking can and wonder whether Somersby Apple Cider is alcoholic or just a flavoured soft drink. The label answers it straight away.

Where to Find Somersby Apple Cider Cans in New Zealand?

Cider in New Zealand is sold through supermarkets, bottle stores and independent liquor retailers.

We can’t verify stock, pricing or delivery, so we won’t make any promises about them. Those details change, and the retailer is the only reliable source. If you’re looking to check the current product details or availability, you can view the Somersby Apple Cider Cans at Pakuranga Liquor Spot. Contacting the store directly is the surest way to confirm what’s on offer.

Conclusion

Is Somersby Apple Cider alcoholic? Yes, somersby apple cider is an alcoholic cider, with the standard 330mL cans covered here listed at 4.5% ABV. Its sweet apple flavour and sparkling texture may make it seem similar to a soft drink, but it does contain alcohol. It is a cider rather than a beer because it is apple-based rather than grain-based.

Before buying, check the can for the ABV, pack size and product variety, as product details can vary. If you choose to drink it, follow New Zealand’s alcohol laws and never drink and drive.

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