Austin Eastciders Churro Cider, Texas

Austin Eastciders Churro Cider brings the nostalgic flavors of a freshly made carnival treat into a refreshingly crisp hard cider. Inspired by the familiar combination of warm cinnamon, golden pastry and sweet sugar, this playful 5% ABV creation balances dessert-like richness with the bright character of apple cider. Aromas of vanilla cake and toasted sugar invite the first sip, while gentle spice and a clean apple finish keep the experience lively and approachable. A distinctive expression of Austin Eastciders' inventive spirit, Churro offers a sweetly spiced alternative to traditional fruit-forward ciders.

Product Details:

• Founders: Ed Gibson and Mark King
• Style: Dessert-Inspired, Sweetly Spiced Cider
• Alcohol: 5% ABV
• Base Fruit: Apples
• Production Approach: Apple-based cider crafted within the producer's fruit-focused cidermaking tradition

Sensory Description:

Churro Cider opens with inviting aromas of warm cinnamon, vanilla sponge cake and lightly caramelized sugar, recalling the comforting fragrance of a freshly prepared churro. On the palate, sweet baking spice unfolds alongside impressions of golden pastry and toasted sugar, creating a rounded, dessert-like character. Beneath these richer flavors, crisp apple provides a refreshing counterpoint, preventing the sweetness from overwhelming the finish. The result is a playful balance of confectionary warmth, aromatic spice, and clean apple freshness, with a lingering hint of cinnamon.

Producer's Background:

Austin Eastciders traces its origins to Ed Gibson, an English cider enthusiast who brought his knowledge of traditional British cidermaking to Austin, Texas. Before relocating to the United States, Gibson operated a cider bar in England's celebrated cider-producing country, developing an appreciation for the complexity of bittersweet apples and the versatility of fermented cider. Together with co-founder Mark King, he helped establish Austin Eastciders as a distinctive presence in the American craft cider movement. The company combined an English-inspired understanding of cider with the welcoming, adventurous character of Austin, introducing approachable apple ciders and an expanding range of fruit-driven flavors.

The producer's approach begins with apple juice, including bittersweet varieties valued for their depth and structure. Austin Eastciders describes using white wine yeast in its general cidermaking process to encourage a lively, refreshing character, while real fruit ingredients remain central to the brand's identity. Following its merger with Blake's Hard Cider in 2023, Austin Eastciders became part of Blake's Beverage Company, extending the brand's reach while maintaining its recognizable flavor-led style. Churro reflects that creative direction, drawing inspiration from a beloved cinnamon-sugar pastry and translating its comforting sweetness into a crisp, contemporary cider. The current Churro-specific cidermaker has not been publicly identified.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at approximately 4-7°C in a cider glass or stemless tumbler to highlight the cinnamon aromatics and refreshing apple finish. Churro Cider is an especially appealing companion to chicken and waffles, where its sweet spice complements the contrast of savory chicken and maple sweetness. It also pairs beautifully with soft pretzels, Mexican street corn nachos and pulled pork sliders, bringing a lively counterpoint to salty, smoky and richly seasoned dishes. For a dessert pairing, enjoy it alongside cinnamon pastries, vanilla cake or warm apple crumble.