Cider and Food Pairings you MUST try!

Cider sits at the heart of Courtney’s Drinks, and each bottle reflects the character of their historic Whiteways of Whimple orchard. With naturally fermented ciders made from 100% apple juice, the Courtney’s Cider range lends itself beautifully to a variety of food pairings.

A reliable favourite for food pairing is Silly Cow, our award‑winning medium cider. Naturally fermented using only the natural yeasts on the apple skins and made without sulphites, it carries a rich apple depth balanced by gentle sweetness. Its rounded, full flavour works beautifully with pork dishes - herb‑rubbed roast loin, slow‑cooked belly with crisp crackling, or pulled pork rolls all find harmony with Silly Cow’s traditional fruit notes.

For something lighter but still full of flavour, Courtney’s Light offers the profile of a medium cider with only 0.5% ABV. Carefully blended and crafted to deliver an authentic cider taste, it pairs well with creamy dishes or milder cheeses. Soft cheddar and gentle goat’s cheese make for a top-class combination with cider.

If you’re serving fish, Whimple Orchards - a medium‑sweet sparkling cider made from pure apple juice - delivers freshness that complements fried or delicate seafood. Its light sparkle cuts through the richness of fish and chips, while the natural sweetness pairs nicely with salt, lemon, and crispy batter. Its bright profile also works well with grilled prawns.

Those looking for something a little cloudier and fruit‑forward might turn to Devon Dapple, a light straw‑coloured cider with a sweet aroma and a fresh, tart apple taste. This makes it a perfect partner for spicy dishes - Thai green curry or chilli chicken wings. The cider softens heat while highlighting aromatics, creating balance which is hard to beat.

For richer, savoury flavours such as charcuterie or robust stews, Exmoor Rebel offers a slightly carbonated, semi‑sweet profile with smooth tasting notes. Its depth works well with prosciutto and salami, giving enough body to stand up to the salt and richness of cured meats without overpowering their taste. It also complements rustic pork pies or strong cheeses.

Cider also pairs naturally with vegetable‑based dishes, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. Roasted root vegetables gain depth when matched with the rounded sweetness of Silly Cow, while lighter dishes like grilled courgette or fresh salads work well with the crisp, refreshing character of Courtney’s Light. For spicier plant‑based meals - such as coconut curries, fruity ciders like Devon Dapple offer a cooling balance, and the smoother profile of Exmoor Rebel complements earthy mushrooms or lentil dishes. These combinations show how versatile cider can be, enhancing flavour without relying on meat or dairy.

When dessert is on the table, sweeter ciders provide a refreshing way to finish a meal. The sweetness found in Whimple Orchards or the softer profile of Devon Dapple is great with apple crumble, sticky toffee pudding, or even a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream. The cider lifts the richness and keeps the final course from feeling too heavy.

Courtney’s Drinks continues to champion traditional cider practices - hand‑picked apples, natural fermentation, and flavours inspired by Devon’s landscape. With such a versatile range, there’s a cider suited to almost any dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Give some of our suggestions a go!

If you have a dish that you feel is worth sharing, please let us know at info@courtneys.online.