For better or worse, running and drinking often go hand in hand—at least here in Oregon. And over the last few years, I’ve definitely come around to the cider game.
We’re pretty lucky in Oregon to have some great options. I’ve had my share of Two Towns Ciderhouse (Pacific Pineapple is fantastic), and I’m pretty sure I would bathe in Portland Cider Company Concord Grape if I had enough of it. There are also plenty of other great local options, including La Familia, Salt Creek Cider House and Locust.
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As someone who lives in the heart of one of the best wine regions in the world (there are dozens of wineries within 30 minutes of my house), I get around. Over the years, I’ve visited more than 270 unique wineries and nearly 880 breweries. I started tracking them about a decade ago, and it’s become a fun little hobby.
But not everybody wants something alcoholic. For me, it’s never really been about the alcohol. It’s more about the ambiance, the atmosphere, and the unique ways people work with fruit, grain, hops, and creativity.
That’s what made trying Life Cider interesting. It occupies a spot in the beverage world that I honestly haven’t spent much time exploring: apple cider vinegar drinks.
At first glance, Life Cider looks and drinks a lot like a soda. It’s carbonated, fruity and comes in a can. But instead of loading up on the sugar and other stuff you might find in a traditional soda, Life Cider is built around organic apple cider vinegar.
The current lineup includes four core flavors, available in a variety pack :
- Black Cherry
- Berry Pear
- Mango Citrus
- Pineapple Coconut
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Grapefruit Nectarine
- Cherry Limeade
A variety pack is probably the best way to start, especially because I think this is one of those drinks where your mileage may vary depending on the flavor.
And, full disclosure, it’s a little different.
I’ve heard about the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for years, but I’ve never really known what to make of them. There is some actual research behind the ingredient, although it’s worth separating “promising” from “proven.” I wouldn’t drink a can of Life Cider and suddenly consider myself a wellness guru. But the idea of incorporating some ACV into a drink instead of simply taking a shot of vinegar is certainly more appealing.
The Taste
Life Cider bills itself as a sort of soda-ish drink, but it doesn’t taste exactly like soda. You get the fruit flavors up front, followed by that distinctive tangy, slightly acidic bite from the apple cider vinegar.
And I’ll be honest: this might be a little bit of an acquired taste.
It took me a few sips to get used to it. Once I stopped expecting it to taste exactly like a regular soda, I enjoyed it quite a bit more. The flavors keep it from being an overwhelming vinegar experience, but the ACV is definitely still part of the show. The current cans contain about one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and have just 4 grams of sugar per can, along with vitamin C, D3, zinc and B12.
Sometimes I want something with some flavor during the day, but I don’t want another coffee. Sometimes I don’t want a soda. And sometimes I don’t want an alcoholic beverage. But I just want something.
Life Cider gives me another option.
It’s not going to replace my favorite Oregon alcoholic ciders anytime soon. I’m still going to happily reach for a Pacific Pineapple or Concord Grape when the occasion calls for it.
But if you’re looking for something a little different—and especially if you’re curious about apple cider vinegar but don’t exactly want to drink a shot of the stuff—Life Cider is worth trying.
