Published on November 20, 2025
How many apples are needed for cider production ?
Cider is a flagship product of Quebec’s agri-food sector, continually refined and diversified by the province’s passionate and experienced cider makers.
In 2025, there are 63 cideries operating in Quebec. Each one offers carefully crafted, high-quality products made from local apples. Geographically, cider producers are mainly located in Montérégie, the Quebec City region, Estrie, and the Laurentians.
Types of Cider
Quebec cider is divided into five distinct categories:
1. Still (or Flat) Cider
This cider has no effervescence and is flat. It has aromas of green apple and white flowers. Its soft, fresh taste is pleasant on the palate. It can be dry or sweet, depending on its sugar content. Made from fully ripe apples, its alcohol content can range from 1.5% to 15%. It makes an excellent substitute for white wine during a meal.
2. Sparkling Cider
Sparkling cider can be fizzy, carbonated, or mousseux with fine bubbles. Its aroma varies from ripe apples to vanilla or bread depending on the fermentation method. Alcohol content generally ranges from 2% to 12%. It can be brut, semi-dry, or sweet depending on sugar levels.
3. Ice Cider (Cidre de Feu)
Ice cider is produced through evaporation: heat is used to concentrate the sugars, similar to the production of maple syrup. This liqueur-style product, with 9–15% alcohol, features vibrant acidity and aromas and flavors of baked apples, caramel, and candied fruits, with a coppery color.
4. True Ice Cider
True ice cider, made either by cryoconcentration or cryoextraction, is a purely Quebec invention. Only the harsh Quebec winter allows apples to freeze naturally, giving birth to ice cider! Like ice cider, it is a liqueur-style product, with residual sugar around 130 g/L and an alcohol content of 7–13%. It offers aromas of fresh or baked apple, caramel, candied fruits, spices, and honey. On the palate, there is a balance of acidity and sweetness, sometimes with a slight bitterness in the finish. Ice cider is a Quebec favorite and is now exported to more than 50 countries.
5. Rosé Cider
Rosé cider can be still, sparkling, or ice cider. It features notes of rose and red fruits (cranberries, strawberries, etc.). Its color comes either from red-fleshed apple varieties or by macerating apple skins in the juice.
Interesting Fact: On average, it takes 1.7 kg of apples to produce one liter of still cider, and 9.5 kg of apples to produce one liter of ice cider. This underscores the importance of a well-stocked orchard!
The taste, aroma, and color of cider are influenced by the apple varieties used in production. The most commonly grown varieties by Quebec cider producers are McIntosh, Spartan, Empire, and Cortland. Most ciders are made with a blend of several apple varieties.
The Quebec Cider Producers Association launched Quebec Cider Week in May 2017 to highlight the expertise of cider makers and showcase this versatile beverage through tastings, orchard visits, conferences, bar promotions, and more!
Quebec Cider Week 2025 will take place from May 1 to May 11, 2025. Discover all the details here.
Celebrate Quebec cider by taking part in various initiatives organized by cideries, bars, restaurants, and participating retailers during this event.
