Cider

A popular beverage in early America, cider is produced from pressing the juice from fruit (usually apples). It can be drunk straight or diluted with water. Both still and sparkling ciders are produced. In North America, the term cider generally refers to unfermented pressed apple juice. In England, the term is associated with the fermented alcoholic beverage. Cider is referred to as sweet cider before fermentation. After fermentation, it becomes known as hard cider. Apple cider can be used to make vinegar, brandy, and applejack (a distilled spirit made from hard cider), and its many varieties are often used in cooking. The production of cider dates to ancient times.