How much alcohol is in Angry Orchard hard cider?

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

While most of Angry Orchard's popular ciders, such as the flagship Crisp Apple, contain a moderate 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), certain specialty and seasonal varieties can have a significantly different alcohol content, with some Imperial versions reaching 8% ABV.

Quick Summary

Angry Orchard's alcohol content varies by flavor, with standard ciders at 5% ABV and Imperial versions higher at 8%. The ABV depends on the specific product, apple type, and fermentation process.

Key Points

Standard ABV is 5%: The most common Angry Orchard ciders, including Crisp Apple, Green Apple, and Cinnful Apple, all contain 5% alcohol by volume.
Imperial Series is 8%: Higher-proof varieties, such as the Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple Imperial and Crisp Imperial, have a notably higher ABV of 8%.
ABV Varies by Flavor: Different ingredients can be added to the apple cider base, leading to different final alcohol contents.
Not a Beer: Hard cider is not brewed with grains and hops, making it distinct from beer and naturally gluten-free.
ABV Depends on Fermentation: The alcohol content is a result of yeast converting the natural sugars in the apples into alcohol during fermentation.
Naturally Gluten-Free: All Angry Orchard ciders are produced using naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Angry Orchard: Deconstructing the Alcohol Content

Angry Orchard is a popular hard cider brand known for its crisp, apple-forward flavors. Understanding the alcohol content, or ABV, of their different products can help consumers make informed choices. The alcohol level in any hard cider is primarily determined during the fermentation process, where yeast converts the natural sugars from apples into ethanol. Angry Orchard offers a range of products, from their widely available core flavors to higher-ABV seasonal and specialty releases.

The Standard Angry Orchard Hard Cider ABV

For many consumers, the 5% ABV represents the quintessential Angry Orchard experience. This alcohol level is characteristic of their most well-known and widely distributed products. A 5% ABV is comparable to a standard-strength domestic beer, making it a familiar and approachable option for a wide audience.

Common 5% ABV Angry Orchard ciders include:

Crisp Apple: The classic and most popular cider.
Green Apple: A slightly more tart and tangy version.
Cinnful Apple: A seasonal offering with apple and cinnamon.

Exploring Higher and Lower ABV Options

Angry Orchard has expanded its lineup to cater to different preferences. The Imperial series offers higher alcohol levels.

For example, the Angry Orchard Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple Imperial Hard Cider has an 8% ABV. The Crisp Imperial also boasts an 8% ABV. Lower-calorie options like the Crisp Light have a 120-calorie count.

What Influences the Alcohol Content?

Several factors contribute to the final ABV of a hard cider. The cider-making process involves controlling these variables.

Yeast Strain: Different yeast strains have varying tolerances for alcohol.
Apple Sugar Content: The natural sugar content of the apples directly impacts the potential alcohol.
Fermentation Process: The length and temperature of fermentation play a critical role.
Backsweetening: Adding sugar after fermentation can increase sweetness without affecting alcohol.

Comparison: Angry Orchard ABV vs. Other Beverages

Here's a quick comparison of the alcohol content of various Angry Orchard ciders against other popular alcoholic drinks.


Beverage Type	Product Example	Typical ABV Range	Angry Orchard Comparison
Angry Orchard Cider	Crisp Apple, Green Apple	5%	Standard: Similar to many light beers.
Angry Orchard Imperial	Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple	8%	Higher ABV: Stronger than most standard beers.
Light Beer	e.g., Bud Light, Miller Lite	4.2%	Comparable: Standard Angry Orchard is slightly stronger.
IPA	e.g., Lagunitas IPA	6-7.5%	Slightly lower: Standard Angry Orchard is lower, Imperial is comparable.
Table Wine	e.g., Merlot, Pinot Grigio	12-15%	Significantly lower: All Angry Orchard ciders have a much lower ABV than typical wines.

A Final Note on Labeling and Ingredients

Angry Orchard hard ciders are naturally gluten-free. They are made with a blend of apples and apple juice from concentrate. Always check the specific product label for the most accurate information. For more details, you can visit the official Angry Orchard website.

Conclusion

The alcohol content of Angry Orchard hard cider varies depending on the specific product. Classic ciders like Crisp Apple are 5% ABV, while Imperial ciders are 8% ABV. This range allows the brand to appeal to different tastes and occasions. Understanding the factors that influence cider's alcohol content helps appreciate the craftsmanship. Always check the label for precise ABV information and enjoy responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angry Orchard's flagship Crisp Apple hard cider has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%.

Yes, Angry Orchard Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple is an Imperial cider with a higher ABV of 8%, making it stronger than the standard 5% core ciders.

Yes, all Angry Orchard hard ciders are naturally gluten-free, as they are made from fermented apple juice.

Standard Angry Orchard ciders (5% ABV) are comparable to a typical domestic beer, while the Imperial ciders (8% ABV) are stronger than most standard beers.

Not necessarily. Cider makers can add sugar after fermentation, called backsweetening, to control sweetness without affecting alcohol.

A typical 12-ounce bottle of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple contains approximately 200-220 calories.

Angry Orchard specializes in hard ciders containing alcohol. They do not widely distribute a non-alcoholic version.