Martinellis Sparkling Cider

Martinelli's Sparkling Cider is a non-alcoholic carbonated apple cider made from 100% U.S.-grown fresh apples, available in a 25.4 fl oz (750ml) bottle at 0% ABV. Produced by S. Martinelli & Company — a family-owned operation dating back to 1868 — this sparkling cider has earned more than 50 gold medals at state, national, and international expositions, beginning with the California State Fair in 1890.

Quick Facts: ABV: 0% (Non-Alcoholic)  |  Origin: Watsonville, California  |  Style: Sparkling Apple Cider  |  Producer: S. Martinelli & Company (Est. 1868)

Production & Heritage

S. Martinelli & Company was founded in 1868 in Watsonville, California, nestled in the Pajaro Valley near Monterey Bay. The cider is made from a blend of apple varieties — including the prized Newtown Pippin — that are thoroughly washed, hand-sorted, ground to pulp, and cold-pressed. The sparkling version undergoes a distinctive process: the juice is carbonated, cold-filled into bottles, capped, then slowly pasteurized and cooled in the bottle, preserving a fine, persistent effervescence. The formula contains no water, no concentrates, no added sweeteners, no chemical preservatives, and no artificial flavors — a claim few competitors in the category can match.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-pressed apple dominates immediately, followed by a subtle floral lift and a faint honeyed sweetness. There is a clean, orchard-fresh quality with no artificial or cloying overtones.

Taste: The entry is bright and tangy, with crisp green apple giving way to a richer, sweeter mid-palate of ripe golden apple. Aggressive yet controlled carbonation delivers fine bubbles that amplify the sweet-tart balance, creating a mouthfeel that genuinely echoes a well-made hard cider without the alcohol.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering tartness and a clean, slightly sour apple note that prevents the sweetness from becoming heavy. A pleasant effervescent tingle stays on the palate.

How to Serve Martinelli's Sparkling Cider

Serve well-chilled in a champagne flute or wine glass to showcase the fine carbonation and apple aromatics. It works beautifully on its own as a celebratory toast or as a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative at any gathering. For mocktails, try these three: a Virgin Apple Mimosa (topped with orange juice for a brunch-friendly sparkler), an Apple Cider Spritz (mixed with sparkling water, fresh rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing sipper), or a Spiced Apple Punch (combined with cinnamon syrup, fresh ginger, and a dash of bitters for a warming seasonal drink).

Best For

• Holiday dinners and Thanksgiving table celebrations
• New Year's Eve toasts for guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option
• Children's birthday parties or family-friendly milestones
• Bridal showers and baby showers where a champagne-style presentation matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Martinelli's Sparkling Cider taste like? It delivers a crisp, sweet-tart apple flavor with lively carbonation, tasting remarkably like fresh-pressed cider with a champagne-like effervescence — bright, tangy, and never overly sweet.

How does Martinelli's compare to Welch's Sparkling Cider? Martinelli's tends to be richer and more full-bodied in apple flavor, while Welch's leans drier and less sweet. Martinelli's uses 100% fresh-pressed juice with no concentrates, whereas many competitors rely on reconstituted juice or added sweeteners.

Is Martinelli's Sparkling Cider good for kids? Yes — it is completely non-alcoholic and contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, making it a popular choice for family celebrations and children's parties.

Where is Martinelli's Sparkling Cider made? It is produced by S. Martinelli & Company in Watsonville, California, located in the Pajaro Valley near Monterey Bay. The company has operated from this region since its founding in 1868.

What foods pair well with Martinelli's Sparkling Cider? Sharp cheddar cheese and apple slices complement its tartness naturally. Roasted turkey or glazed ham mirror its sweet-tart profile, making it a Thanksgiving staple. Pork chops with apple chutney echo the cider's fruit character. Warm apple pie or cinnamon-spiced pastries create a harmonious dessert pairing. Brie or Camembert with crackers rounds out the richness with the cider's acidity.

What sizes does Martinelli's Sparkling Cider come in? Martinelli's Sparkling Cider is available in multiple formats, including 8.4 fl oz, 10 fl oz, 25.4 fl oz (750ml), and 1.5L bottles.

Is Martinelli's Sparkling Cider worth the price? Martinelli's positions as a premium non-alcoholic sparkling cider, and its 100% fresh-pressed juice with no concentrates or additives justifies its slight price premium over competitors that use reconstituted juice — particularly for special occasions where presentation and quality matter.

Why Martinelli's Sparkling Cider?

Over 155 years of continuous production by a single family-owned company gives Martinelli's a heritage few beverage brands can claim. The commitment to 100% fresh-pressed apples with no water, concentrates, or artificial ingredients is not merely a marketing distinction — it directly shapes the cider's noticeably richer, more authentic apple flavor. More than 50 gold medals across international competitions, stretching from Sacramento in 1890 to modern-day expositions, validate the consistency of the product. For anyone seeking a non-alcoholic sparkling option that holds its own alongside champagne at the table, this remains the benchmark in its category.