If you’ve seen rekorderlig hard cider on a menu or in a variety pack and wondered whether it’s actually good — or just pretty branding — you’re not alone. Rekorderlig has become a go-to “easy drinking” cider for people who don’t love beer, want something fruit-forward, or need a gluten-free option. It’s made in Vimmerby, Sweden using Swedish spring water, and it leans heavily into bright fruit flavors like Strawberry-Lime and Wild Berries.
But is it worth paying a bit more than basic apple cider? Let’s break it down like a real taste test: aroma, sweetness, balance, carbonation, finish, and how it compares to other popular ciders — plus what to expect from calories and sugar, and which flavor to buy first.
Quick verdict: is rekorderlig hard cider worth it?
Rekorderlig is worth it if you want a sweet, fruit-led cider that tastes more like a sparkling fruit drink than a traditional dry apple cider. It’s refreshing, lightly carbonated, and designed to be served ice-cold (often over ice), which makes it a reliable “crowd-pleaser” for casual hangouts and warm weather.
It may not be worth it if you prefer dry, tannic, apple-forward cider (the kind that drinks closer to wine). Rekorderlig’s signature is flavor intensity and sweetness, not complexity or orchard funk.
What is Rekorderlig, exactly?
Rekorderlig is a Swedish cider brand produced in Vimmerby and positioned as a “premium” fruit cider with a clean, modern profile. The brand emphasizes that it’s made with water from a nearby Swedish spring and fruit-inspired flavors.
Rekorderlig’s most common offerings you’ll see internationally are typically 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
Taste test: what does Rekorderlig hard cider taste like?
Because “worth it” comes down to taste, here’s what you can realistically expect from the core Rekorderlig experience. (Think of this as a sensory review based on how the brand formulates its ciders, how they’re typically served, and consistent descriptions across retailer listings and product notes.)
Aroma: fruit-first, candy-adjacent
Most Rekorderlig flavors open with a strong fruit aroma — strawberry candy, berry compote, tropical juice vibes—depending on the can. Strawberry-Lime, for example, is widely described as strawberry-forward with a citrus lift.
Sweetness level: medium-sweet to sweet
This is the biggest deciding factor. Rekorderlig is generally sweet compared to traditional English-style dry ciders. If you like semi-sweet ciders or flavored malt beverages, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you dislike sweetness in drinks, it may feel heavy.
Acidity & balance: “lime saves the day”
The best Rekorderlig flavors are the ones with built-in acidity — usually citrus. Strawberry-Lime works because the lime note adds sharpness that keeps the strawberry from going syrupy.
Carbonation: lightly fizzy, not aggressive
Rekorderlig tends to be lightly carbonated, which makes it easy to drink quickly — good for social settings, less ideal if you want a crisp Champagne-like sparkle.
Finish: clean, fruity, short
The finish usually doesn’t linger with apple peel, tannin, or funk. It’s more of a quick “sip-reset,” which is exactly why it works as a patio drink.
Rekorderlig hard cider flavors ranked by “most worth it”
Flavor availability varies by country, but these are the staples you’ll commonly see listed as core options: Strawberry-Lime, Wild Berries, Mango-Raspberry, and Pear.
Here’s how to choose based on what you like:
1) Strawberry-Lime: best overall balance (most people should start here)
If you buy one flavor to understand Rekorderlig, make it Strawberry-Lime. The lime note brings structure, so it tastes less like straight fruit juice and more like a finished drink. It’s consistently described as strawberry-forward with refreshing citrus.
2) Pear: best if you want “clean” and less candy-like
Pear tends to read brighter and more restrained than berry-heavy flavors. It’s still sweet, but many people perceive pear as crisper and less sticky. Pear is also commonly listed at 4.5% ABV like the rest of the range.
3) Wild Berries: best for berry lovers (but can drink sweet)
Wild Berries is popular for a reason: it’s bold, juicy, and tastes like mixed berry candy in a good way — if that’s what you want. Nutritional listings also suggest it can be quite high in sugar per can, which matches the perceived sweetness.
4) Mango-Raspberry: best “tropical” option
Tropical fruit can taste either vibrant or perfume-like depending on your preferences. If you already like mango beverages, it’s a fun switch-up, but it’s usually not the safest first pick.
Calories, sugar, and “is it lighter than beer?”
People often assume cider is automatically lighter. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t.
Some U.S. retail listings note Rekorderlig options around 110 calories (commonly referenced for certain products/servings), while other nutrition databases for specific flavors show higher calorie counts per 330 ml can (for example, Wild Berries listed at 218 calories per 330 ml in some databases).
What this means in plain English: it depends on the flavor, package size, and market formulation. If calories or sugar matter to you, check the exact can/bottle you’re buying rather than assuming they’re all the same.
You’ll also find “low sugar” variants in some markets (availability varies), which can dramatically change the calorie profile.
Is Rekorderlig actually “premium,” or just flavored and marketed well?
Rekorderlig positions itself as premium through:
- Swedish origin and branding
- Fruit-forward flavor variety
- Consistency (it tastes the same every time)
Whether that’s “premium” depends on your definition.
If premium means craft complexity, wild fermentation, tannins, and apple variety character — then no, Rekorderlig isn’t competing with fine cider.
If premium means a reliable, better-than-basic, fruit cider that feels a little elevated, then yes, it often earns that label. This is especially true in social settings where most people want something tasty and approachable.
When Rekorderlig hard cider is the perfect buy
Rekorderlig shines in specific scenarios:
Warm weather drinking: It’s built for ice-cold refreshment, and the fruit profile pops more when chilled.
Beer-haters at parties: It’s an easy “I don’t like beer” solution.
Casual brunch or light food pairing: The sweetness works with spicy food, salty snacks, and grilled items.
Gluten-free needs: Many retailer listings highlight it as naturally gluten free (always verify for your exact market if gluten is a medical concern).
When it might disappoint you
Rekorderlig might not be your thing if:
You want dry cider: It’s generally not aiming for dryness or tannic bite.
You’re sensitive to sweetness: Some flavors can drink like fruit soda with alcohol.
You want apple character: Rekorderlig is more “fruit flavor world” than “orchard world.”
If you’re in that second camp, you might prefer exploring traditional dry ciders or “fine cider” styles that emphasize apples, fermentation, and structure (the UK has a growing movement around this).
How Rekorderlig fits into the bigger cider trend
Cider remains a major category in markets like the UK, and there’s strong ongoing consumer interest in premium and craft offerings.
At the same time, there’s also renewed attention on “real” cider — less industrial, more orchard-driven — creating a split:
- approachable, fruit-forward brands (where Rekorderlig sits)
- terroir/producer-driven fine cider for enthusiasts
That’s helpful context because it explains why people’s opinions differ so much. If someone expects “traditional cider,” Rekorderlig can feel too sweet. If someone wants a fun fruit drink, Rekorderlig can feel exactly right.
Serving tips that make Rekorderlig taste better
A small tweak can make a big difference with sweet ciders:
Serve it very cold. Sweetness reads lower when chilled.
Pour over ice. This slightly dilutes and softens sugar perception.
Add citrus. A lime wedge (especially for Strawberry-Lime) boosts acidity and makes it feel crisper — many retailers even suggest citrus garnish with pear styles.
FAQ: common questions people ask
Is Rekorderlig hard cider sweet?
Yes. Most Rekorderlig flavors are medium-sweet to sweet, with fruit-forward profiles. Citrus flavors (like Strawberry-Lime) usually taste more balanced because acidity cuts sweetness.
What alcohol percentage is Rekorderlig?
Many of Rekorderlig’s widely sold ciders are 4.5% ABV, though always check your can/bottle for your region.
Is Rekorderlig gluten-free?
Retail listings commonly describe Rekorderlig as naturally gluten free. If you have celiac disease or severe sensitivity, verify labeling for your exact product and market.
Which Rekorderlig flavor is best?
Strawberry-Lime is usually the best first choice because it balances sweetness with citrus acidity. Pear is a great second pick if you want something cleaner and less candy-like.
How many calories are in Rekorderlig?
It varies by flavor and product. Some listings reference around 110 calories for certain products/servings, while some databases list higher values for specific flavors and can sizes (for example, Wild Berries at 330 ml). Always check your exact label.
Conclusion: so, is rekorderlig hard cider worth it?
Rekorderlig hard cider is worth it if you want a reliably tasty, fruit-forward, sweet-leaning cider that’s easy to drink and easy to serve. It’s not trying to be a complex, orchard-driven cider — its strength is that it’s approachable, refreshing, and consistently flavored, with popular options like Strawberry-Lime and Pear leading the pack.
If your ideal cider is crisp, dry, and apple-first, you’ll probably be happier exploring traditional or “fine cider” producers instead. But for parties, patios, and “I just want something that tastes good” moments, Rekorderlig earns its spot in the fridge.