BETTY SHIMABUKURO / BETTY@STARBULLETIN.COM Cider -- with or without the added boost of alcohol -- is a festive holiday drink.

If you think cider is just a fancy name for apple juice, think again. Cider, both non-alcoholic and fermented, is a coveted drink this time of year that can also enhance a number of holiday recipes.

The basics: Apple cider is made from the pressing of fresh apples. Before fermentation it is referred to as "sweet" cider and after fermentation as "hard" cider.

Its history is unclear, but probably goes as far back as the cultivation of apple trees. Cider is made from a variety of fresh apples, not concentrate, although some commercial brands may market what is essentially apple juice as cider.

Cider can be filtered or unfiltered, but unfiltered is preferred, as it retains more apple solids and flavor. Cider also retains a rich caramel color that is lost in apple juice, which is further strained and processed.

In recent years traditional cider making -- using quality apples and natural, traditional pressing techniques -- has been emphasized over mass-market processing. This has yielded a number of quality regional brands that are most popular in autumn. Sparkling ciders are also very popular this time of year.

Selecting: Most commercially produced cider is pasteurized to rid the juice of harmful bacteria. Apple cider comes in a variety of fresh or bottled packaging. Traditional cider does not include added sugar, water or other flavorings.

Storing: Fresh juice should be stored in the refrigerator and will last about five days. Bottled juices can be stored in the pantry, but must be refrigerated after opening. Sparkling ciders will loose carbonation a day or so after opening and so should be consumed immediately.

Use: A good cider is delicious hot or cold. It can be enhanced with mulling spices such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, orange and lemon peel. But don't limit cider to just a drink. It can be used in stuffing, vinaigrettes, sauces, glazes and braising liquids, as well as added to quick breads, poached fruit, custards and other desserts, to add a sweet apple flavor.

Where to buy: Apple cider can be found in some supermarkets or health and specialty food stores. Prices vary depending on brand and quantity, but generally range from $3 to $5 a bottle.

Eleanor Nakama-Mitsunaga is
a free-lance food writer. Contact her
online through features@starbulletin.com

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