From Zero to Hero
Less than twelve months after launching our first non-alcoholic cider, Red Zero, was named Best Non-Alcoholic Cider at the World Cider Awards. This huge accolade added to the burgeoning trophy cabinet that includes gold awards from Taste of the West and The Farm Shop and Deli Awards and Best New Drink Award from Food Drink Devon.
We took our time creating Red Zero because we like to do things properly at Sandford Orchards. It was not the first non-alcoholic cider to market but we like to think that it is one of the best and it seems that the experts agree. Winning these awards recognises all the hard work and effort we put into making Red Zero and puts it firmly on the global cider map as the best in the world and the perfect pint to celebrate Dry January!
Harvest Celebrations
This autumn we celebrated a record-breaking harvest. The biggest we have ever witnessed! Our expanded team worked tirelessly throughout October and November. We pressed apples 6 days a week from 5am until 9pm to keep on top of apple deliveries and invested in eight new tanks to increase our capacity by 400,000 litres. The result of our labours is some exceptional quality juice with fantastic depth of flavour. We are currently fermenting more juice than ever before and we are very excited about the cider prospects for 2026!
Mulled Red Zero Cider
As the temperature drops and the festive season starts, mulled cider is the perfect antidote to the cold. The warming aromas are incredibly tempting and our Red Zero mulled cider recipe means that everyone can enjoy a glass or two. You will need 1.5 litres of Red Zero, 2 cinnamon sticks, the zest of an orange, a clove studded apple, 1 Tbsp of Allspice, 2 star anise, 75g of brown sugar and 400ml of apple juice. Simply place all the ingredients in a large pan and heat gently (never heat past the serving temperature) for just 30 minutes, so you don’t lose its fruity flavour and zip. Serve with an orange or apple slice garnish and a sprinkling of cinnamon on the rim of the glass.
The Wassail
January can be a dark and dreary time with Christmas behind us and spring still a long way off but, at Sandford Orchards, we always have the wassail to look forward to. It is the perfect excuse for some fresh air, cider and socialising! Typically held on or around the Twelfth Night (5th or 6th January) or Old Twelfth Night (“Old Twelvey”, 17 January), the evening involves toasting the health of the apple trees and frightening away evil spirits that might harm them. Wassailing is a great opportunity to get the community together and help them to appreciate our fabulous orchards. Kids can run wild in the dark whilst the adults enjoy a mulled cider. It’s one of the highlights of our calendar and we wholeheartedly encourage you to join a wassail in your area this January.
