Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob ULTRA announced the newest addition to its portfolio, Michelob ULTRA Light Cider, a naturally sweetened and gluten-free cider made from crisp apples. Featuring one-third fewer calories (120) and a more mellowed sweetness than traditional ciders*, Michelob ULTRA Light Cider is ideal for year-round enjoyment and provides a light, refreshing alternative to white wine, champagne and heavier ciders.

Michelob ULTRA Light Cider tastes crisp, light, and refreshing. You can enjoy it straight from the glass, but I preferred the taste of it on ice. It’s not super sweet like one might think of something made from apples. I love that it’s naturally sweetened from hand-picked apples. I can’t drink anything with artificial sweeteners so this is a huge plus in my book. I’m not on a gluten-free diet but I know lots of people are going “gluten-free” for many different reasons. This is a wonderful product you’ll be able to enjoy this Summer.

My mother-in-law was over for dinner the day I bought the Light Cider so we each had one with our Asian take-out. Everyone enjoyed it very much! This is going to be my new go-to drink and plan to serve it at many upcoming parties too!

“As more people continue to discover cider, we’ve found that many view traditional ciders as either too heavy, too sweet or both,”" said Ryan Moore, vice president of premium lights, Anheuser-Busch. “”This perception has often times limited ciders to a seasonal beverage during fall and winter, but we saw an untapped potential to expand the category as a year-round option. Michelob ULTRA Light Cider fills this void with a lower calorie cider with a milder, but distinct, sweetness that can be enjoyed straight or over ice.”"

Which favorite summer meal or activity do you think would go best with Michelob ULTRA Cider?

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*Michelob ULTRA Light cider will be available nationwide (excluding CO, UT, WY and OK) beginning May 7, 2012, and will be available in six-packs of 12-ounce clear glass bottles.

*Michelob ULTRA Light Cider has 1/3 less calories than an average of the leading regular hard ciders, 120 cal./serving in light hard cider vs. 180 cal./serving in an average of the leading hard ciders.