Anna Calinawan freshens up with the coolest drink of the summer

Just as 20-year old hipsters are beginning to knit, bars are stocking their shelves with hard apple cider. Once the favoured drink of working-class colonists, hard cider is now as trendy as ever, with some even having their own Facebook pages and Twitter feeds. Ranging from dry to sweet, cloudy to clear, and light to dark, cider is cosy and cool. In short, it is the new cardigan of beers. It’s also damn refreshing. With the humidity in full force, we thought we’d recommend some of the best drinking holes in our city to enjoy a revitalising fruity cider. Don’t forget the ice – it’s essential on a steaming summer’s eve.

Steamer’s Bar & Restaurant
Sai Kung’s relaxed atmosphere is tailor-made for a refreshing cider. At Steamer’s, there’s Blackthorn on tap, which is a boon with its low price ($45) and strong apple flavour. You can also take a bottle of Magners ($45) outside and enjoy it under the umbrellas with the locals. It’s the Hong Kong version of sitting under the shade of an apple tree. 66 Yi Chun St, Sai Kung, 2792 6991.

China Bear
There are great views and Strongbow on tap ($38) to be had in Mui Wo. Strongbow is the most popular brand in the UK, claiming half of all Britain’s cider sales. After a leisurely day on the beach or a long trek through Lantau, this cider is the perfect cool down. After all, who doesn’t deserve a post-hike happy hour? 3 Ngan Wan Rd, Mui Wo Center, Lantau, 2984 9720.

Inn Side Out
This bar and bistro is one of the few places that serves Hardcore Apple Cider ($50). This Boston brew has its own Facebook page, although with only 5.5 per cent ABV, it is not particularly hardcore. If you’re looking for that extra kick, ask if you can have a Black Velveteen, a half-and-half of Guinness over cider. Shop 9, 11 & 14, G/F Sunning Plaza, 10 Hysan Ave, Causeway Bay, 2895 2900.

The Globe
This comfy pub serves an impressively wide range of cider. If you’re feeling flush, go for the boutique pear cider, Eric Bordelet Poire. For those willing and able to pay $450 a bottle, it won’t disappoint. Made with pears from 300-year old trees, the generations of devotion are evident. Every sparkling sip tastes and smells like delicious, refreshing pear. If you’re not feeling so loaded, there are ciders for every budget, such as Les Clos des Ducs ($400) and Magners Pear ($72). Garley Building, 45-53 Graham St, Central, 2543 1941.

The Canny Man
There’s no better way to enjoy cider than under a pair of decorative antler horns. This Scottish pub serves four brands of cider including Blackthorn ($65), Magners ($72), and Perry’s ($52). For something simply sweet and fruity, try Taffy Apples from Wales ($72). Don’t let the cute name mislead you – this Celtic cider is worth a manly swig. B/F, Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, 57-73 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai,
2861 1935.