What Is Sparkling Cider Made of?

Sparkling cider is a popular nonalcoholic way to celebrate festive occasions. This fizzy drink looks similar to champagne and is often served at holiday dinners, parties and on New Year's Eve.

Ingredients

• Sparkling cider is made primarily from apple juice or apple cider which has been carbonated to give it a soda-like mouth feel. Optional additions can include sugar or other added sweeteners, vitamin C and preservatives.

Cider vs. Juice

• Apple cider is essentially liquid from an apple in its purest form; it is not filtered and sometimes isn't pasteurized. In contrast, apple juice is filtered, pasteurized and vacuum-packed to give it a longer shelf life. Water is often added to apple juice, as well as vitamins and preservatives.

Varieties

• Apple juice or cider can be mixed with another fruit juice to create numerous flavors of sparkling cider. Variations include apple-raspberry, apple-peach, apple-pear, apple-cranberry and apple-grape.