How much alcohol is in one Angry Orchard?

December 23, 2025 •

2 min read

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, the most popular variety, contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), but this figure is not universal across the brand's entire product line. Different Angry Orchard styles, such as the Imperial ciders, feature significantly higher alcohol percentages designed for a bolder flavor profile.

Quick Summary

The alcohol content of Angry Orchard depends on the specific product, with varieties like Crisp Apple containing 5% ABV, while Imperial options feature a higher 8% ABV for a more potent experience.

Key Points

Standard ABV: The most popular Angry Orchard Crisp Apple contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Imperial Options: Imperial varieties, like Crisp Imperial and Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple, contain a higher 8% ABV.
ABV Range: The brand offers a range of alcohol contents, with standard ciders at 5% and imperial options at 8%.
Made from Apples: As a hard cider, Angry Orchard is fermented apple juice, not beer, and is naturally gluten-free.
Flavor vs. Alcohol: The fermentation process and blend of apples are adjusted to create different flavor profiles and alcohol percentages across the product line.
Variable Strength: The alcohol content in one Angry Orchard depends entirely on which specific product is being consumed.

Understanding Angry Orchard's Alcohol Content

The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of an Angry Orchard cider varies depending on the specific product. The widely recognized Angry Orchard Crisp Apple has a 5% ABV, similar to many popular beers. However, varieties like the Imperial Hardcore Dark Cherry and Crisp Imperial contain a higher 8% ABV, offering a bolder profile. This ABV is a result of yeast converting apple sugars into alcohol during fermentation, a process influenced by apple type, yeast, and time.

The Difference Between Standard and Imperial Ciders

Standard ciders like the 5% ABV Crisp Apple are crafted for a balanced, refreshing taste. Imperial ciders, such as Crisp Imperial and Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple at 8% ABV, undergo more extensive fermentation, resulting in a higher alcohol content and a more robust flavor.

Comparing Angry Orchard to Other Alcoholic Beverages

Compared to other drinks, standard Angry Orchard ciders are in the same ABV range as many mainstream beers. Imperial ciders are stronger than average beers and approach the lower end of wine ABVs (typically 12-15%). Hard cider is distinct from beer and wine as it is made from fermented apples.

How Angry Orchard is Made

Angry Orchard ciders are made through a process involving specific apple selection and fermentation.

Apple Sourcing: A blend of apples from various regions, including Italy, France, and the US, is used for unique flavors.
Pressing: Apples are pressed for juice, which is concentrated for consistent supply.
Fermentation: Neutral white wine yeast ferments the juice over several weeks, converting sugar to alcohol.
Back-Sweetening: Apple juice or sugars may be added to balance sweetness.
Flavoring: Fruit juice concentrates are used for specific varieties like Hardcore Dark Cherry.

Angry Orchard Product Comparison Table


Product	Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	Key Flavor Notes	Package Size	Target Audience
Crisp Apple	5%	Crisp apple, balanced sweetness	12 oz bottle/can	General market, light beer drinkers
Crisp Imperial	8%	Crisp apple, bolder, higher ABV	12 oz can	Fans of stronger beers, bold flavor seekers
Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple	8%	Apple, tart cherry, robust	12 oz can	Drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward, potent ciders
Rosé Cider	~5%	Rosé apple, floral, light	Varies	Wine drinkers, rosé fans

Conclusion

To summarize, the alcohol content in one Angry Orchard varies by product, ranging from 5% ABV for standard options to 8% ABV for Imperial varieties. This allows Angry Orchard to offer choices for different preferences. Consumers should always check the product label for exact ABV information. For more details on Angry Orchard products, the official website is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angry Orchard's alcohol content is comparable to many beers, with the standard Crisp Apple at 5% ABV. Some higher-gravity beers can exceed this, while Angry Orchard's Imperial ciders, at 8% ABV, are stronger than most average beers.

Angry Orchard Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple has a higher-than-average alcohol content of 8% ABV.

A standard drink in the US contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. A 12 oz serving of the standard 5% ABV Angry Orchard Crisp Apple would be equivalent to one standard drink. The stronger 8% ABV ciders would be more than one standard drink per 12 oz can.

Yes, you can get drunk from drinking Angry Orchard, as it is an alcoholic beverage. The speed at which you become intoxicated depends on the specific cider's ABV, the amount consumed, and individual factors like body weight and tolerance.

As of recent releases, the Imperial line, including Crisp Imperial and Hardcore Dark Cherry Apple, represents the highest ABV options from Angry Orchard, both at 8% ABV.

Angry Orchard uses a mix of apples from various regions. The company's ciders are made from a blend of French bittersweet, Italian culinary, and American apples to balance flavors and tannins.

Yes, Angry Orchard is often considered an accessible starting point for those new to hard ciders. The Crisp Apple variety has a balanced, sweet, and approachable flavor that is widely appealing and available.