Why Hard Cider Is The Drink You Should Be Serving This Summer

Nothing says that it's finally summertime more than spending time with friends outside and grilling up a massive feast. Whether you're at the pool, the beach, or in your own backyard, it seems as though no idyllic warm-weather afternoon is complete without a spatula in one hand and an ice cold drink in the other.

But drinking in the sun can be hazardous. And in the dog days of summer, nothing can drag you down more than a heavy beer or stiff cocktail.

So what's the solution for your warm-weather entertaining? The answer, my friends, is hard cider. With a low ABV and refreshing taste, this oft-forgotten alcoholic beverage is perfect for slow sipping. And according to Angry Orchard's head cider maker Ryan Burk, the low ABV, slightly tart, and slightly sweet beverage is designed for the summer.

"Many people don't realize that most hard cider is enjoyed during summer months, but with its crisp, refreshing, apple-forward taste, it is easy to see why it's such a perfect summer beverage. We came up with the recipe for our newest cider — Angry Orchard Easy Apple — for drinkers looking for a lighter, easy-drinking hard cider option," he said. "At just 4.2 percent ABV, Easy Apple's dry finish and balanced fresh apple taste is ideal to enjoy for longer drinking occasions like tailgating before a concert and backyard barbecues."

If you're looking for a few hard ciders to shake up your summertime beverage menus, we recommend:

Ace Pineapple Cider: Pineapple just screams summertime, and this cider has it. Though it's a little sweet for some palates, we love the sparkling candy flavor it offers.

Angry Orchard Easy Apple: The latest offering from this company is wonderfully balanced and tastes of pure, sweet apples. If you're not yet familiar with the world of hard cider, this one is a great introduction.

Crispin Honey Crisp: A dose of honey flavor is exactly what apple needs, and this balanced cider from Crispin has that sweetness in just the right amounts. Don't let the cloudiness fool you; this cider is light enough for any summertime picnic.

Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime Cider: Yes, this cider is known for its notorious sugary flavor, but when served over ice, it's the ultimate refreshing drink. Not everyone likes the taste of alcohol, so if you're looking for a fruit juice that can provide a buzz, this is the right choice.

Woodchuck Summer Time Pear Ginger: This cider is light in color but big in flavor. The pear and ginger team up for a sweet yet dry drinking experience that's perfect for poolside drinking.