If you’re the type who turns red after just a few sips but still wants to enjoy a chill night out with friends, cider might just be your perfect match. With its low alcohol content and refreshing sweet-tart balance, this drink has become a favourite among light drinkers looking for something easy, fun, and relaxing.

What is cider?

Cider is a naturally fermented drink made from 100% apple juice. It’s crisp, fruity, slightly sweet, and typically contains only 4–6% ABV. Globally, cider has been enjoyed for centuries and is especially popular in the UK, France, the US, and Australia.

In Vietnam, the trend of enjoying fruit-based drinks has been growing rapidly. As more people look for natural, handcrafted, and healthier beverage options, Saigon Cider’s range, from Original Apple to creative variations like Apple & Ginger and Apple & Chilli, has become an appealing choice for those looking for something light yet flavorful.

Why is cider perfect for light drinkers?

Compared to beer or wine, cider contains significantly less alcohol, usually around 4–6% ABV. Thanks to this lower alcohol level, your body absorbs it more slowly, helping you stay in control and avoid getting tipsy too quickly.

If you dislike the bitterness of beer or the harsh burn of spirits, cider is your salvation. The natural fruitiness from apples or other fruits creates a refreshing, smooth, and easy-to-drink profile, which is perfect for casual hangouts, relaxing evenings, or unwinding after a long day.

How to drink cider properly

1. Chill your cider to 4–6°C

Cider tastes best when served cold. The low temperature enhances fruit aromas, giving you a clean, refreshing sip every time. Avoid adding ice because melting ice will dilute the flavour and flatten the experience. 

2. Drink straight from the bottle or pour into a glass

 You can enjoy cider directly from the chilled bottle. If you pour it into a glass, make sure it’s cold beforehand. Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle while pouring to reduce foam and create a visually smooth, sparkling finish. Properly poured cider won’t form a big head; instead, it will have fine, dancing bubbles.

3 Saigon Ciders are perfect for beginners

1. Original Apple - 4.7% ABV

Saigon Cider’s Original Apple is a beautifully balanced blend of sweet and tart, refreshing like a sunny afternoon in an apple orchard. It’s the perfect “first chapter” for anyone exploring cider for the first time: gentle, easygoing, and welcoming.

Best food pairings:

• Grilled seafood: shrimp, fish, scallops
• Fresh salads
• Cheese pizzas
• Light desserts: fruit crumble, berry mousse

2. Apple & Ginger - 4.7% ABV

Saigon Cider Apple & Ginger is a harmony of fermented apple juice and fresh Vietnamese ginger, an ingredient deeply rooted in Vietnamese cuisine. One sip delivers the warm, aromatic kick of ginger blended with the sweetness of apples, like a cosy morning warmed by the first sunshine.

Perfect with dishes that carry gentle heat or warmth:

• Asian dishes: braised fish with pepper, chicken with lime leaves, tofu with ginger sauce
• Light stews: mushrooms, root vegetables
• Desserts: cheesecake, panna cotta, refreshing fruit puddings

3. Apple & Chilli - 4.0% ABV

When fermented apple juice meets the subtle heat of Vietnamese chilli, cider takes on a bold new personality: vibrant, exciting, and full of character. Saigon Cider Apple & Chilli is an adventurous choice for anyone who loves unique, playful flavours.

Each sip delivers the sweet freshness of apples followed by a soft, lingering heat - a combo that makes food taste even better.

Best with bold and flavorful dishes:

• Seafood: clams, mussels, grilled shrimp with scallion oil
• Grilled dishes: BBQ, skewers, honey-glazed chicken
• Crunchy snacks: fries, fried chicken, spring rolls
• Desserts: dark chocolate mousse, cocoa-based cakes

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a light, fruit-forward drink that’s easy to enjoy, Saigon Cider’s organic craft ciders are definitely worth considering. The next time you meet up with friends, why not switch things up with a bottle of cider? Drop by the locations mentioned in this article and experience it for yourself!