September's Alcohol-Free Cider Spotlight | Hydes

There is something about a crisp, light, delicate cold cider that really gets us going. We love our beer and cocktail moments, but this year we really have embraced our cider moments. Today, we are so excited to showcase one of the most sophisticated ciders there is. Let’s speak with the team to hear more about what we can expect.

Q: Welcome to the September JOMO Box - and for the first time! Can we start with an introduction?

Thank you for having us in the JOMO Box. We're thrilled to be included! Hydes Cyder is a Hampshire-based craft cider dedicated to creating exceptional ciders using traditional methods and English apples. We're passionate about showcasing the true character of our fruit through careful fermentation creating a sophisticated and refreshingly honest cider. Every bottle represents our commitment to quality.

Q: When and why did you want to launch your alcohol-free cider alongside your alcoholic cider?

We realised early on there was a real gap for a premium alcohol-free cider that didn't compromise on taste or complexity; therefore Hydes Lyte was born. Too many non-alcoholic options felt flat or overly sweet. We wanted to create something that captured the depth and character of our traditional cider, the apple complexity, the subtle fermentation notes and the crisp finish. It was about inclusivity too; we wanted everyone to experience the craft cider moment, regardless of drinking preferences.

Q: Can you tell us about the cider in front of us today and what we can expect?

Hydes Lyte is our signature alcohol-free cider, made primarily from premium English apples. We ferment it using traditional methods, allowing the natural yeasts to work their magic before carefully removing the alcohol while preserving the complex flavours. You'll taste crisp apple notes upfront, followed by subtle fermentation character and a clean, dry finish. It's got real depth, this isn't just apple juice with bubbles.

Q: Why was it important when creating Hydes to keep things natural and not include additives?

For us, it's about respecting the apple and the process. When you start with exceptional fruit and traditional fermentation methods, you don't need to mask anything with artificial flavours or preservatives. Our apples already have incredible natural complexity, different varieties contribute sweetness, acidity, tannins, and aromatics. By keeping things natural, we let that terroir shine through. It's also about transparency; our customers deserve to know exactly what they're drinking.

Q: Have you seen any interesting trends or changes in behaviours or tastes looking at your consumers on both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic side?

Absolutely. We're seeing a real sophistication in palates, people want complexity and authenticity, whether they're drinking alcohol or not.

The mindful drinking movement has been huge for us. People aren't just looking for alcohol-free options for designated driving anymore; they're choosing them because they genuinely enjoy the taste and the ritual without the alcohol. We're also seeing more appreciation for traditional methods and local provenance.

Q: How does Hampshire inspire Hydes?

Hampshire has this incredible heritage of apple growing and cider making that goes back centuries. Our landscape, with its chalk downs and varied microclimates, produces apples with real character. There's something about the terroir here the way our apples develop their particular balance of sweetness and acidity. Plus, being surrounded by this beautiful countryside reminds us daily why we're passionate about creating something that truly represents this place. We are proud that Hydes is Hampshire born. 

Q: Not all cider is created equal. Why is Hydes different to the large brands on the market?

It comes down to scale and philosophy. We're small-batch, artisanal, focused on quality over quantity. While mass-market brands often rely on concentrate and artificial flavouring, we're working with whole, fresh apples and traditional fermentation. We're not trying to create the same product every time, we embrace the subtle variations that come with working with natural ingredients. Each batch tells the story of that season's fruit.

Q: We know that alcohol-free cider isn't simply apple juice. For people who might think that, how does it differ?

That's such an important distinction! Hydes Lyte goes through full fermentation, the sugars are converted, creating all those complex flavour compounds and that characteristic cider character. Apple juice is just pressed apples. Our cider has fermentation notes, more complex acidity, and a sophisticated flavour that comes from that biological transformation. The alcohol is removed afterward, but all that fermentation character remains.

Q: Can you share with us your perfect cider moment?

For me, it's those golden hour moments in late summer, sitting in our taproom with friends after a day's work. We host events in our taproom too, and this is when it comes to life. The sound of laughter, the smell of the BBQ and chilled Hydes Cyder on tap. 

Q: Have you ever created a cocktail using Hydes?

We love a "Hampshire Garden" - Hydes Lyte with fresh elderflower, a splash of sparkling water, and a sprig of fresh thyme from the garden. It's incredibly refreshing and celebrates our local ingredients. TV’s Andy Clarke, used Hydes Lyte in a cocktail on Alan Titchmarsh’ Love Your Weekend’ and commented it was the best non-alcoholic cider he’s ever tasted!