Nightingale Cider Company Launches New Lower Alcohol Cider, Light Bird

Nightingale Cider Company is delighted to announce the launch of Light Bird, a new lower alcohol cider crafted for a new era of mindful drinking. At just 1.5% ABV, this first version of Light Bird is made with Discovery apples, delivering full, vibrant apple flavour in a lighter format, designed for those who want to enjoy great cider while drinking more moderately.

As drinking habits continue to evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking balance rather than abstinence. Recent reporting from the Financial Times highlights that teetotalism is not on the rise, despite an overall decline in alcohol consumption.

Instead, the shift points to a growing preference for moderation, with people choosing lower alcohol options that fit more comfortably into everyday social occasions.

This trend is backed up by data from drinks industry analysts IWSR, which shows that the average UK adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks per week last year, the lowest level since records began in 1990. This represents a decline of more than 25% compared to consumption levels two decades ago, underlining a long-term move towards drinking less, but better.

Light Bird has been created in direct response to this shift. Rather than compromising on taste, Nightingale has focused on producing a flavour-forward cider that feels intentional and satisfying, whether enjoyed mid-week, at lunchtime, or as a sessionable alternative at social gatherings. The result is a cider that sits comfortably alongside full-strength options, appealing to both moderation-minded drinkers and traditional cider fans alike.

By launching the Light Bird series, Nightingale is tapping into a wider cultural movement that values choice, quality, and flexibility. As consumers rethink their relationship with alcohol, Light Bird offers a refreshing new way to enjoy cider. It is lighter in alcohol, but not in character.

Light Bird series marks Nightingale’s first official venture into the world of lower alcohol cider. This is the debut release in this range. Wild-fermented from Discovery apples, this bright and sweet cider captures the fleeting joy of late summer in every can. Made in small batches, Light Bird is designed to celebrate fruit at its prime.

Delicate and radiant in the glass, this cider glows a light pink. The nose bursts with strawberries and cream, with a hint of morello cherry. On the palate, juicy ripe strawberries lead the way, lifted by a sparkling sherbet twist.

Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist and Global Cider Expert, said:

“Low- and no-alcohol cider has grown rapidly over the past few years, largely driven by brands from the major producers. Now, we’re beginning to see truly craft low- and no-alcohol ciders emerge, and Light Bird is a standout example. With an incredible Turkish delight and lychee aroma leading into flavours of raspberry pavlova, this is a bold, fruity, and playful exploration of lower-alcohol drinks.”

Max Fulgoni, head cidermaker at Nightingale, said:

“Light Bird was born very simply out of what I love to drink. It’s a snapshot of my favourite moment in fermentation—bright, fruity and floral—when apples are just becoming cider and you get the best of both worlds. I’ve always wanted to make cider more accessible and inviting for as many people as possible, and lower-alcohol cider is a great way to do that, while still pushing the boundaries of what cider can be and showing people, through great-tasting drinks, what’s possible.

Like the rest of our range, Light Bird is rooted in the orchard and shaped by wild fermentation, but it’s unique in that it really expresses the yeast and the work they do, rather than just the apple alone. Making it from 100% juice and allowing it to ferment wild is essential. It preserves the natural aroma and flavour, rather than diluting the cider as many industrial low-alcohol methods do. With a whole community of yeasts and bacteria working together, we’re able to capture that microbiological diversity and translate it into real complexity in both flavour and aroma.”

Sam Nightingale, Nightingale Cider founder, said:

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen a definitive shift in consumer habits toward more meaningful, quality-led purchases. People are drinking less, but when they do, they want that quality to count. While craft cider is naturally lower in alcohol than wine—usually fermenting to between 6–8% ABV—we felt there was a clear opportunity for a 1.5% ABV offering made with that same level of care.

Using the best hand-picked fruit and the same attention to detail as our full-strength range, this cider is a natural evolution for Nightingale. It is the brainchild of our head cidermaker, Max Fulgoni; by utilising wild fermentation and an expert palate, Max has created a product that gives us huge confidence to continue exploring the low- and no-alcohol segment in the future.”

Light Bird is available in 440ml can format.

This cider is available to pre-order now on the Nightingale webshop here.

For trade direct sales locally and nationally, our ciders are available via our South East distribution partner- Pig’s Ears, and through Nightingale Cider using Sellar, and direct channels.

Download images HERE.

Social media:

Facebook: Nightingale Cider

Instagram: @nightingalecider

Twitter: @NightingaleCidr

www.nightingalecider.com

ENDS

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Notes to Editors:

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About Nightingale Cider Company:

Nightingale Cider Company is a family-run business based in Tenterden, Kent. The Nightingale family has been fruit farming in the area since 1948. They’ve been making small batch craft cider since 2009, keeping the process as natural as possible at every stage—their ciders and perries are made from 100% fruit juice and all are gluten-free and vegan.

Nightingale’s delicious range of ciders and juices are handmade, using fruit from their farm and nearby Kentish orchards. Driven by their passion for the highest quality ciders, they bridge tradition with innovation to produce a range of flavoursome and exciting offerings for today’s drinker.

www.nightingalecider.com

For further information email Nightingale Cider Company on socials@nightingalecider.com.

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