Seven Foods to Pair With Cider This Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, backyard barbecues, and lots of excuses to eat outdoors. A crisp, refreshing cider is just the thing to pair with your favorite summertime foods! With so many styles and flavors to choose from, cider is the most versatile craft beverage around. We have some pairing suggestions, but be sure to experiment and find your own favorite flavor combos!

1. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Imperial Peach Tea

Grilled pork tenderloin is a fantastic match for cider. The savory flavors of the pork hold up well to the tannins of the tea and the sweetness of the peach and Northwest apples. Go the extra mile by making a cider glaze reduction with Imperial Peach Tea, and brush it over the pork when it’s almost done cooking. 

2. Summer Green Salads with Strawberry Pineapple

For days when it’s just too hot to cook, a light, refreshing salad can make a lovely companion to nice, cold cider.  Try a spinach and strawberry salad, where the sweetness of the berries and the tangy vinaigrette play off the flavors of strawberry, pineapple and apples in the cider. Or enjoy a mixed green salad topped with apple slices to add a crunchy-sweet contrast that enhances the cider. 

 3. Soft Cheeses with Pacific Berry

Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese are excellent choices to enjoy with semi-sweet Pacific Berry cider. The tartness of the berries and apples cleanse the palate—essential when enjoying the creamy textures and smooth, rich flavors of these cheeses. Serve them on a charcuterie board with some fresh fruits, nuts, and a baguette for a simple, yet sophisticated pairing.

 4. Chicken Tacos with POG

Spicy chicken tacos are delightfully balanced by the tropical flavors of passionfruit, orange and guava in our POG cider. The heat from the spices is soothed by the crisp, sweet cider, and flavors like lime and cilantro accentuate the tropical notes in the cider.

5. Grilled Asparagus with Imperial Abbey Apple

The charred flavor, natural sweetness and tender texture of grilled asparagus spears are a superb match for the bold, apple-forward flavors in Imperial Abbey Apple cider. The dry cider provides a refreshing contrast to the veggies, which we think are best simply seasoned: drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before grilling, and finish with fresh-ground pepper for a little kick.

6. Savory Crepes with Original Gold

Savory crepes filled with simple and flavorful ingredients like caramelized onions, goat cheese, mushrooms, spinach and fresh herbs deserve our most award-winning cider, Original Gold. The light sweetness of the cider brings out the character in the fillings, and the delicate texture of the crepes make this a perfect meal for brunch or a light summer dinner.

7. Fresh Seafood with Imperial Dry

Here in Oregon, we’re lucky to have fresh seafood year-round. Shrimp, scallops, crab or even fish and chips are all well-suited to a strong, dry cider like Imperial Dry. Every sip is crisp and bold, clearing the way to fully experience every bite of food. Serve with a citrusy side salad to round out the flavors.

Cheers to good food, great company and the perfect glass of cider!