3 Ciders We’d Bring to Any Holiday Party

There are two types of guests at a holiday party:

1. The ones who show up with yet another bottle of red.

2. And the ones who walk in with something everyone actually gets excited about.

We like to be the second kind.

At City Orchard, we are all about bringing real, orchard driven cider to the table. Bright, flavorful, and ready to play nice with everything from cheese boards to sugar cookies. Our apples are grown on our orchards and neighboring farms in New York, then crafted into cider and finished in Houston. Every bottle can bring a little northern orchard heritage to your Texas celebrations.

If we had to narrow it down, here are three ciders we would happily bring to any holiday party. Host approved, crowd pleasing, and very sip worthy.

Cranberry Vanilla Cider

If the holiday season had a color, it would be cranberry.

Our Cranberry Vanilla Infused Cider takes that classic tart cranberry bite and softens the edges with real vanilla bean. The result is a cider that is bright, ruby colored, and lightly creamy on the finish. Think cranberry sauce that decided to dress up.

Why it belongs at the party

The tart cranberry keeps each sip refreshing, especially between rich bites. Vanilla adds a warm and cozy note without turning it into an overly sweet drink. It is a bridge cider that wine people, beer people, and the “I just want something festive” crowd can all enjoy.

Holiday pairing ideas

Cranberry Vanilla works beautifully with:

• Baked brie with cranberry or fig jam • Turkey or ham sliders • Holiday cheese boards, especially with sharp cheddar or goat cheese • Leftover stuffing and snack plates the next day

Hosting tip

Serve it chilled in a stemmed glass or over a single large ice cube. Add an orange twist and a few fresh cranberries and call it your signature holiday cocktail, no shaker required.

Block 19

Block 19 is for the guest who says they are more of a wine person and not really into cider yet.

This dry heritage cider is a complex blend of estate grown bittersweet and bittersharp apples. It is structured, layered, and fully dry. Think of it as living in the same world as a serious white wine, but with beautiful orchard fruit character and a very clean finish.

Why it belongs at the party

Block 19 is a conversation starter for wine and whiskey drinkers. It has enough structure to satisfy serious palates and is still approachable for curious first timers. It pairs with almost everything savory on the table.

Holiday pairing ideas

Try Block 19 with:

• Charcuterie boards with cured meats and aged cheeses • Roast poultry, pork, or beef tenderloin • Salty snacks like nuts, olives, party mixes, and kettle style chips • Smoked salmon or gravlax appetizers

Hosting tip

Serve Block 19 in wine glasses. It looks elegant, encourages guests to swirl and smell, and lets the aromatics shine. Nobody will miss the Cabernet.

Sweet Solstice

A blend of estate grown apples, concentrated in deep winter, produces this rich and supple ice cider. Shared with friends, it is the kind of cider that feels like dessert in a glass and a little celebration at the same time.

Why it belongs at the party

Sweet Solstice is the perfect final pour of the evening. Small glasses are all you need because the flavor is intense and luxurious. It turns even a casual gathering into something that feels special.

Holiday pairing ideas

Pour Sweet Solstice alongside:

• Apple pie, pecan pie, or any buttery pastry • Cheesecake or panna cotta • A board of blue cheese, aged cheddar, and walnuts • That last little slice of whatever dessert is left on the table

How to serve it

Chill the bottle well. Pour into small wine glasses, cordial glasses, or simple rocks glasses. Let guests sip slowly and enjoy how it warms slightly in the glass as the conversation warms up too.

Hosting tip

If you are not in the mood to bake, pick up a good store bought dessert and let Sweet Solstice be the star. It will feel intentional and impressive with almost zero effort.

How To Build A Cider Forward Holiday Bar

Want to make these three ciders the stars of your holiday spread? Here is a simple flow.

Start the evening with Cranberry Vanilla Infused Cider as the welcome pour. It is festive in the glass and instantly sets a holiday mood.

Pour Block 19 with dinner. The dry profile and layered apple character make it an easy match with turkey, ham, sides, and rich savory dishes.

Finish with Sweet Solstice. Serve small pours to everyone at the table and toast the end of the year together.

Where To Find These Ciders

You can enjoy all three at our taproom at 1201 Oliver Street in Houston and you can pick up bottles to go for your next gathering. City Orchard cider is crafted from real apples, rooted in our New York orchards, and finished with plenty of Houston heart. Whether you are the host or the guest, you will be walking in with something truly special.