You know the old adage: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. That's especially true every June 3rd when we celebrate World Cider Day.

Considered a favorite beverage in many different countries from Japan to America to Spain, cider can be enjoyed in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms. In most countries though cider automatically means the boozy version, while in the United States there is a specific distinction between cider (straight-up unfiltered apple juice) and "hard" cider (apple juice with an ABV). 

However you drink your apples in a glass, World Cider Day recognizes one of the globe's tastiest and historical drinks. 

A Quick History of Cider

We can trace the roots of cider pretty far back. In fact, by the time the Romans invaded England around 55 BCE, they discovered the Celts who lived there making and drinking cider from local crabapples. Later, the process of fermenting and distilling cider spread throughout Southern England, France, and Spain. 

Fast forward a bit and, of course, in America the lore of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, tells the tale of a man traveling the country planting apple trees in the early nineteenth century.

Historically, the word cider originally meant everything from "strong liquor" to "liquor made from the juice of fruits." Today though, when one uses "cider," it's specifically to reference a "fermented drink made from apples." 

Why Do We Love Cider?

Because it's tasty and delicious! From dry to juicy to herbed, spiced, and hopped to sweet and even rosé, hard cider runs the entire gamut of flavor and aroma. 

Today, you can find cider made everywhere. Coinciding with the modern craft beer movement, cideries have exploded across the globe. In fact, last year alone drinks in the "Cider - Traditional" category notched an incredible 1.6 million check-ins on the app. 

Now whether drinking a cider a day can actually keep the doctor away is up for debate. But what's undoubtedly true is that cider deserves its own day of recognition. 

If you're looking for inspiration on what to drink during this World Cider Day, check out our list of "The 10 Highest-Rated Ciders of 2022." 

And once you get your cider, the only thing left to do is check it in…

World Cider Day Badge

At the core of this special holiday is a new badge from Untappd. 

Earning this one is fairly simple. Just drink a cider during the holiday! 

To earn this badge: Check-in any one (1) cider from June 3rd, 2022, through June 5th, 2022.