The best craft ciders from the UK and Ireland

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Showerings Triple Vintage Cider

This may just be the "poshest pint you'll have this summer", said the Evening Standard. "Embossed glass" and a "lavish label" set the tone for this sophisticated drink, which is made from Dabinnet apples. "For those in the know, you'll be well aware that this is one of the most highly regarded varieties of apples on the market." Expect a "full-bodied" taste with a "well-balanced bittersweet" flavour. £30 for six 375ml bottles; showeringscider.co.uk

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Thistly Cross Whisky Cask Cider

Here's one for the whisky fans. Scottish producer Thistly Cross was early to the craft cider game, and "set the bar high for any budding UK cidermakers", said the i news website. Try this "extremely smooth, soft, yellow" cider, matured in casks that once held Glenglassaugh whisky, "creating extra warmth", said The Independent. "Full of flavour, it can be enjoyed all year round." £39.95 for 10 litres; thistlycrosscider.co.uk

Mac Ivors Juicy Session Cider

At 4.2%, Mac Ivors's Juicy Session Cider is "a little lighter on alcohol", said The Times – no bad thing for a refreshing summer drink that you're likely to want more than just the one glass of. Based near Portadown in Co Armagh, Mac Ivors sells the Juicy Session Cider in 330ml cans, a first for a Northern Irish cider maker. £2 for a 330ml can; busbyscellar.com

DukesHill Traditional Apple Cider

This cider is “hand-crafted in small batches using the purest ingredients", and is a far cry from "creative concoctions that crowd supermarket shelves" these days, said the Evening Standard. The taste is "smooth, lightly sparkling and crisp", making it "an absolute delight to sip on warm summer evenings". £14 for six 330ml bottles; dukeshillham.co.uk

2018 Gospel Green Original Brut Cyder

Given cider can be produced in the same way as champagne, it's little surprise that it can "taste every inch as good", said BBC Good Food. This "pale gold" 8.4% offering is an excellent alternative to sparkling wines, "with the finest of bubbles" and notes of "citrus, stone fruits and brioche". £15.50 for a 750ml bottle; realenglishdrinks.com

Sandford Orchards Devon Rosé Cider

Sandford Orchards's Devon rosé blush cider is made from English apples and the skins of pinot noir grapes, giving it a unique pink tint. A "delicious, medium sweet" cider, sample it solo or as the "ideal accompaniment for a goat cheese tart of Devon high tea", said Food Drink Devon. £34.20 for 12 bottles; sandfordorchards.co.uk