An amber dessert cider made from apples concentrated by freezing, invented in Quebec in 1989 by Christian Barthomeuf at Dunham. The province later regulated the appellation and now leads world production; it is poured chilled with cheese or foie gras.
It needs a Quebec winter to concentrate the juice — the regulated appellation requires natural cold, not a freezer — and it is a licensed alcoholic product.
What goes into it
- late-harvest apples, often McIntosh and Spartan
- winter cold
- yeast
How it is made
Either the pressed juice is left outdoors through the winter so that water freezes out and the sugar concentrates, or the apples themselves are frozen on the tree and pressed hard while frozen. The concentrated juice ferments slowly and cold for months, and the fermentation is stopped while a great deal of sugar remains.
How long it takes: a winter to concentrate, then months of fermentation
How it is eaten
Chilled in a small glass with blue cheese, foie gras or apple tart.
History
Invented in Quebec in 1989 by Christian Barthomeuf at Dunham; the province later regulated the appellation and now leads world production.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ice cider?
Ice cider is a wine & spirit from Canada: amber dessert cider from apples frozen after harvest, poured chilled with cheese. Invented in Quebec in 1989 by Christian Barthomeuf at Dunham; the province later regulated the appellation and now leads world production.
How is Ice cider made?
Either the pressed juice is left outdoors through the winter so that water freezes out and the sugar concentrates, or the apples themselves are frozen on the tree and pressed hard while frozen. The concentrated juice ferments slowly and cold for months, and the fermentation is stopped while a great deal of sugar remains. It takes a winter to concentrate, then months of fermentation.
Can I make Ice cider at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It needs a Quebec winter to concentrate the juice — the regulated appellation requires natural cold, not a freezer — and it is a licensed alcoholic product.
What goes into Ice cider?
Late-harvest apples, often McIntosh and Spartan, winter cold, yeast.
How is Ice cider eaten?
Chilled in a small glass with blue cheese, foie gras or apple tart.
