Ace Blood Orange Cider 6Pk

Ace Blood Orange Cider 6Pk is a fruit-forward hard cider from Sonoma County, California, packaged as six 12 oz bottles at 5% ABV. Produced by The California Cider Company in Sebastopol, this expression stands out for its use of pure, unfiltered blood orange puree, which lends a vivid orange hue and a distinctly tart citrus character uncommon in the craft cider category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California  |  Style: Fruit Cider  |  Producer: The California Cider Company (ACE Cider)

Production & Heritage

ACE Cider operates out of Sebastopol in the heart of Sonoma County, a region long celebrated for its apple orchards. Founded by Jeffrey House, the brand draws all of its alcohol content from fermented apple juice — no added grain alcohol or malt. For the Blood Orange expression, unfiltered blood orange puree is blended into the fermented cider base, creating a naturally cloudy, opaque appearance similar to fresh-squeezed orange juice. The decision to leave the puree unfiltered preserves the fruit's full body and aromatic intensity, distinguishing it from filtered fruit ciders that tend toward a thinner, more translucent profile.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, assertive blood orange arrives immediately on the nose, followed by underlying citrus zest and a light floral quality. A subtle sweetness and faint tartness round out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is citrus-dominant, with ripe blood orange flavor giving way to a mid-palate of crisp apple and a gentle semi-sweet character. It reads as full-bodied for a cider at this ABV, with the orange and apple flavors staying well-balanced rather than competing. A pronounced tartness emerges toward the peak, keeping the sweetness in check.

Finish: Clean and crisp, with lingering citrus peel and a tart snap that invites another sip. The finish is moderate in length, fading into a light, dry apple note.

How to Drink Ace Blood Orange

Serve well-chilled straight from the bottle or poured into a stemmed glass to showcase its striking opaque orange color. This cider is widely cited as a ready-made alternative to a traditional mimosa, and it pairs naturally with brunch settings. Cider Shandy: Combine half and half with a light wheat beer for a refreshing warm-weather hybrid. Blood Orange Spritz: Top with sparkling water and a sprig of rosemary for a low-ABV aperitif. Sangria Base: Use as the primary liquid in a cider-based sangria with sliced stone fruit and berries — the existing blood orange puree provides a richer citrus backbone than wine alone.

Best For

• Brunch gatherings as a convenient mimosa substitute
• Warm-weather barbecues and outdoor entertaining
• Introducing non-beer drinkers to the craft cider category
• Stocking a fruit-forward option in a mixed cooler alongside lagers and seltzers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ace Blood Orange taste like? It tastes like a tart, ripe blood orange layered over a clean apple cider base, with a semi-sweet, full-bodied mouthfeel and a crisp, dry finish. The unfiltered puree gives it more fruit intensity than most flavored ciders.

How does Ace Blood Orange compare to a mimosa? ACE Cider and many reviewers position the Blood Orange expression as a convenient, single-serve alternative to a mimosa, delivering similar citrus-forward, effervescent character without the need for sparkling wine and fresh juice. The cider has a slightly lower ABV than a typical mimosa and a more pronounced tartness.

Is Ace Blood Orange good for beginners? Yes — its approachable 5% ABV, fruit-forward sweetness, and familiar orange-juice-like appearance make it an easy entry point for anyone new to hard cider or craft beverages in general.

Where is Ace Blood Orange made? It is produced by The California Cider Company in Sebastopol, located in Sonoma County, California. Sebastopol sits in one of Northern California's prime apple-growing regions, surrounded by heritage orchards.

What foods pair well with Ace Blood Orange? Eggs Benedict and brunch dishes, where the citrus acidity cuts through rich hollandaise. Grilled shrimp or fish tacos, as the tartness complements seafood. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie, which balance the cider's acidity. Fresh fruit salads and light desserts like lemon tart echo the citrus character.

What sizes does Ace Blood Orange come in? The standard retail format is a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles. Individual bottles may also be available depending on the market.

Is Ace Blood Orange worth the price? It positions as a mid-range craft cider, priced competitively with other premium flavored ciders. The use of real, unfiltered blood orange puree rather than artificial flavoring provides tangible quality above mass-market fruit ciders at a similar price tier.

Why Ace Blood Orange?

What separates this cider from the crowded field of flavored hard ciders is a commitment to real fruit. The unfiltered blood orange puree delivers genuine citrus flavor and a naturally opaque appearance that no concentrate or artificial flavoring can replicate. Backed by The California Cider Company's Sonoma County roots and an all-apple fermentation base, the Blood Orange expression avoids the shortcuts common in mass-market fruit ciders — no malt, no added grain alcohol, no synthetic color. For drinkers seeking a refreshing, lower-ABV option with real character, it occupies a space that few fruit ciders in its price range can match.