a hard cider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard cider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice, often with a higher alcohol content than regular cider. Example: "On a hot summer day, nothing beats a refreshing glass of a hard cider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Sterne ordered a hard cider.

The New Yorker

These four examples of Calvados are listed in order of preference, followed by an American apple brandy and a hard cider.

The New York Times - Food

THE BAR Inexpensive wine list, by the bottle and by the glass, and an interesting list of beers (a hard cider, too).

The New York Times

In the US, companies attempting to make their product seem delicious by associating it with a political debacle include a company specialising in dietary and nutritional supplements and the Boston-based craft beer brewery Sam Adams, which wants to use it for the name of a "hard cider".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Skip the wine: Turn your Thanksgiving feast into a hard cider fest.

Los Angeles Times

Not only is it a great way to keep your guests warm but you can add a little "thank you for celebrating with us" pennant flag to the straws that is guaranteed to warm your guests' heart as well!" 1. Serving cider - it can be served both cold or hot and then having a hard cider on tap for your guests as well.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Seared foie gras in a hard-cider reduction was another winner, set off by tart Fuji apples and cranberries.

The New York Times - Style

Plus a hard-cider bar. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Take a guided full-moon walk through Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

The New York Times

There is a terrific appetizer of sea scallops with scallion sauce, beautifully dressed with crisp chicken skin and soft chanterelles, and another of potato-flaked pork belly chunks crisped into the shape of Tater Tots, with a hard-cider glaze that stops the fat.

The New York Times - Food

Consider the New Amsterdam Market, South Street (between Beekman Street and Peck Slip), which is holding a hard-cider revival on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. with hard-cider tastings, Marlow and Sons is running a cider bar, and tapas-size snacks.

The New York Times

I tried a fizzy hard cider that came with a "careful, it's strong" warning from the smiling bartender (it was), while Bob sipped a Norfolk Wherry Bitter.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about alcoholic beverages, be specific about the type and its characteristics. "A hard cider" clearly indicates an alcoholic cider made from apples.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard cider" when referring to non-alcoholic apple cider. "Hard cider" specifically indicates an alcoholic beverage, while "apple cider" or "sweet cider" refers to the non-alcoholic version.

Linguistic Context

A hard cider functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to specifically identify a kind of alcoholic beverage derived from apples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard cider" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and understood. Its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also found in scientific and wiki sources. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for general communication. Alternative phrasing can include "alcoholic cider" or "fermented apple cider".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alcoholic cider

Replaces the adjective "hard" with a more direct descriptor of the cider's nature.

fermented apple cider

Emphasizes the fermentation process that creates the alcoholic content.

cider with alcohol

Explicitly states the presence of alcohol in the cider.

spiked cider

Implies that the cider has been enhanced with alcohol.

alcoholic apple beverage

Broadens the description to include other possible alcoholic apple drinks.

strong cider

Refers to the alcoholic strength of the drink.

cider with a kick

Uses a more informal way of saying it has a high alcohol content.

an apple-based alcoholic drink

Generalizes the drink as part of alcoholic beverages based of apple.

cider beverage

Simply calls it "cider beverage" rather than "cider".

an apple brew

An alternate phrasing highlighting the brewing process.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a hard cider" and apple cider?

"A hard cider" refers to an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples, while apple cider is typically the non-alcoholic juice extracted from apples.

What are some synonyms for "a hard cider"?

You can use alternatives such as "alcoholic cider" or "fermented apple cider" to convey a similar meaning.

How is "a hard cider" typically served?

Hard cider can be served cold or at room temperature, and is often enjoyed straight from the bottle or poured into a glass.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hard cider"?

Yes, "a hard cider" is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to a specific type of alcoholic beverage.