Kopparberg is one of Sweden’s most iconic cider producers. Partly, that’s due to a legacy dating back to 1882, but also because, over that time, they have honed their craft to produce crowd-pleasing gins, vodkas and ciders. Their alcoholic ciders are aimed squarely at the mass market, with lots of fruit-forward flavour and an easy drinking style. They also produce several non-alcoholic versions, including pear, mixed fruit and this, the Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider.
Let’s give it a whirl and see whether that rich tradition is evident in their NA cider.
Appearance
Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider pours a bright, rosy pink. It’s kind of like a cordial in appearance but a bit fresher looking (although, of course, more artificial looking than a traditional scrumpy, for example). The effervescence is pretty good on the pour, and the stream of fine bubbles stays pretty steady for most of a bottles-worth of drinking time, although one notices a bit of a lack of persistence towards the end.
Aroma
The aroma of this NA cider is unabashedly fruity, with strawberry taking the lead initially. The scent is reminiscent of sweet berries, with just a hint of tartness. Lime does come in to add some zest as a counterpoint, but I did find that the sweeter notes of the berries dominated. As the cider breathes, its lime component does become a bit more pronounced, but overall the nose stays on the sweet side.
Taste
The flavour of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider is, much like the aroma, very much sweet fruit forward. The strawberry is immediately apparent, while the lime takes a little while to make its presence felt. Mid-palate you may detect some hints of candied fruit and citrus zest, but as a distant note. If you like your ciders sweet, then this non-alcoholic version which leans heavily into its fruity character could be right up your street.
Mouthfeel
Kopparberg don’t really produce hefty beverages, so as one would expect, this non-alcoholic cider has a light, spritzy mouthfeel. The carbonation is gentle. The cider’s texture is smooth and consistent, making it easy to drink. And it generally feels like a refreshing mouthful, if a little sticky at the end. There’s less viscosity than one finds in some traditional ciders. But the lightness certainly lends itself to simple drinking on a summer’s day.
Finish
The finish is clean, with the lime’s acidity asserting itself a bit more as the strawberry sweetness fades. There is no lingering depth or earthiness, which some drinkers might miss. Instead, the finish is quick and bright, aligning with the cider’s overall focus on approachability.
Pairing Suggestions
No surprises that the fruity profile of Kopparberg non-alcoholic Strawberry and Lime Cider makes it an excellent match for summer dishes, such as grilled chicken, fresh salads with strawberries or citrus, and light seafood dishes like seared prawns. If casually snacking, I’d make sure you have some tangy goat’s cheese or similar to counteract the drink’s sweetness. Or something salty like prosciutto on a charcuterie board.
Overall Impressions of Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider
Kopparberg Strawberry and Lime Cider is fruity. No, not in an ‘Ooh, matron’ way; just a simple, easy-drinking fruit-forward beverage. It’s flavour profile might not be the most complex around – and errs a bit sweet for my personal taste – but its certainly approachable and perfect for casual occasions for drinkers who like bright, sweet berry flavours.