Over the past two years, cider has seen its fortunes completely reversed; having been seen as a drink in decline, the cider image and market has been completely invigorated. It is now a hip drink, the "cider over ice" phenomenon having been initiated by Magners, an Irish cider, which increased sales in 1996 alone by 225%. Cider sales in 2007 are expected to reach an astonishing 1 billion pints.

On the coat-tails of this cider boom, all sorts of delicious ciders are enjoying success on the supermarket and off-licence shelves. We tasted a few on Food Radio and I recommend;

Thatchers Cox's Single Varietal Cider, Waitrose, £1.59 for 500mls
Made from the famous English eating apple, this cider is brimming with sweet cider fruit, easy to enjoy as a sip in the garden, or perfect to partner chicken based dishes.

Henry Westons in bottle fermented cider, just launched at about £2.23
"in bottle fermented" and strong, this would appeal to the serious beer aficionado. It is cloudy (the yeast being retained post fermentation in the bottle) and dry.

Green Goblin oak-aged cider from Wychwood Brewery, £1.69, Sainsburys and Waitrose
This "scrumpy style" cider smells and tastes like ciders of old (before the boom in industrial. Mockeries of the original drink). Full-bodied and thoroughly appley.

Perry (made from perry pears which are the cider apple of the pear world) is also now booming and widely available (though in an incarnation a far cry from Babycham!)

Brothers Pear Cider, £1.49.
Booths Brothers' Perry was originally available only from a single bar at the Glastonbury Festival, where it was launched in 1995. Officially launched as a brand last year, it is floral, light and pretty; and not too powerfully alcoholic at 4.7%