Spanish Word for Cider

The Spanish word "sidra" means cider in English.

For those in England that consider cider to be an inexpensive way of drinking apple concentrate and often carbonized well known brands, then Spanish cider will offer a complete culture shock.

Spanish cider comes from Asturias on the Atlantic coast whereby it is the local drink. Genuine cider generally comes in one litre bottles, frequently without labels and the corks are often held down by twine. The most popular brand of cheap cider that can be found on supermarket shelves is called La Gaitera and this brand is known as the poor man's champagne. It is popular especially as festive times; however, you will not be able to find genuine Asturias cider on any shop shelves.

When sampling the real thing, it is served in large, wide, pint sized glasses and the golden liquid is poured from a great height. The glass is never filled to more than a few centimeters and the tradition is to throw the last dregs on the floor.

Asturian cider is always drunk in the same year of production and the harvest is in the late spring. It is not a cheap drink and can be bought in most bars at approximately 2[euro] per bottle.