Downeast Extra Lemonade

Downeast Extra Lemonade is a cider flavored with lemon, so expect a tart, citrus-forward profile layered over the apple base. The label doesn't give an ABV, a sweetness level, or a tasting-note list, so what follows describes how lemon ciders usually behave, not measured figures for this bottle or can. Lemon-flavored ciders tend to pair the juicy, rounded sweetness of apple with a sharp citrus acidity. The result is closer to a lemonade-style refresher than a dry, tannic orchard cider. The "Extra" in the name suggests a more pronounced lemon character than a standard version. Expect bright zest and acid on the front of the palate, then a softer apple finish. There is little of the hop bitterness you would find in beer, because cider doesn't rely on bittering hops or roasted malt. Any bitterness comes from lemon pith, if at all. Serve it well chilled, around 3 to 5°C (38 to 41°F). At that range the acidity stays crisp and the sweetness doesn't turn syrupy. Ciders like this are often poured over ice, which dilutes them slightly and keeps them cold in warm weather. If you serve it that way, use a tall highball or pint glass with a lemon wheel. For a straight pour, a stemless wine glass or a tulip-shaped pint glass concentrates the citrus aroma better than a flat tumbler. Food-wise, bright lemon cider suits salty and fried dishes, because the acidity cuts through grease the way a squeeze of lemon would. Fish tacos, fried chicken, shrimp, fish and chips, and soft goat cheese salads are all natural matches. It also works against mildly spicy dishes like Thai-style noodles or grilled chicken with chili, since the sweetness takes the edge off the heat. For dessert, a plain shortbread or lemon-poppyseed cake echoes the flavor without clashing.