Blake's Blue Raspberry Cider 6-Pack is a flavored hard cider made with 100% Michigan apples and natural blue raspberry flavor, sold as a six-pack at 6.5% ABV. Produced by Blake's Hard Cider Co. on their 120-acre farm in Armada, Michigan, this expression stands out for its use of real farm-grown apples rather than concentrate or artificial flavoring — a distinction the cidery emphasizes as central to its identity. Quick Facts: ABV: 6.5% | Origin: Armada, Michigan, USA | Style: Flavored Hard Cider | Producer: Blake's Hard Cider Co. Production & Heritage Blake's Hard Cider Co. operates from a 120-acre working farm in Armada, Michigan, where the company grows the apples used in its ciders. The Blue Raspberry expression begins with a base of 100% Michigan apples — never from concentrate — blended with guava concentrate, natural blue raspberry flavoring, and black carrot concentrate for its vivid color. Additional production locations in Wolcott, New York and Redmond, Oregon support canning operations. The Blue Raspberry variant is part of Blake's Kinder Cider program, through which the company has donated over $100,000 to nonprofit partners since 2017. Tasting Notes Aroma: Bright blue raspberry candy leads immediately, followed by subtle notes of fresh apple and a faint berry sweetness. The nose is inviting and playful without being cloying. Taste: The entry is a juicy burst of blue raspberry — bold and electric — layered over a clean apple cider backbone. Mid-palate, the sweetness is present but well-managed, with hints of blueberry and strawberry rounding out the fruit character. The apple base keeps things grounded, preventing the flavor from tipping into pure confection. Finish: Crisp and moderately dry, with malic acid providing a tart snap that cleanses the palate. The raspberry flavor lingers briefly before giving way to clean apple. How to Drink Blue Raspberry Cider Served cold straight from the can, this cider is refreshing and immediately drinkable, making it a strong warm-weather choice. For a Cider Slushie, freeze the cans partially and scrape for a boozy frozen treat that leans into the blue raspberry character. In a Blue Razz Spritz, pour over ice with a splash of prosecco and a lemon twist — the cider's natural tartness plays well against dry sparkling wine. Try it in a Berry Cider Shandy by blending half-and-half with a light wheat beer for a layered, easy-drinking hybrid. Best For Backyard barbecues and outdoor summer gatherings Introducing craft cider to friends who prefer fruit-forward drinks Supporting charitable causes through Blake's Kinder Cider program Stocking a cooler for a beach day or tailgate Frequently Asked Questions What does Blake's Blue Raspberry taste like? It delivers a bold, juicy blue raspberry flavor balanced by a crisp apple cider base, finishing with a tart snap rather than heavy sweetness. Think nostalgic blue raspberry candy tempered by real fruit acidity. How does Blake's Blue Raspberry compare to Tennessee Cider Company's Blue Raspberry? Both lean into candy-inspired blue raspberry character, but Blake's uses a base of 100% Michigan apples never from concentrate, while Tennessee Cider Company's version is often described as closer to a blue snow cone or Jolly Rancher in sweetness. Blake's tends to retain more apple cider structure on the palate. Is Blake's Blue Raspberry good for cider beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit flavor and moderate 6.5% ABV make it an easy entry point for anyone curious about hard cider, especially those who gravitate toward fruit-flavored beverages. Where is Blake's Blue Raspberry made? It is produced by Blake's Hard Cider Co. on their 120-acre farm in Armada, Michigan, with additional canning operations in Wolcott, New York and Redmond, Oregon. What foods pair well with Blake's Blue Raspberry? Grilled chicken skewers with a sweet glaze complement the berry notes; sharp white cheddar contrasts the sweetness nicely; fish tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical guava undertone; soft pretzels with mustard play off the cider's tartness; and vanilla ice cream or cheesecake mirrors the dessert-like fruit character. What sizes does Blake's Blue Raspberry come in? It is commonly available as a six-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this expression. Is Blake's Blue Raspberry worth the price? It positions as an accessible, everyday flavored cider in the same price tier as mainstream craft cider six-packs, delivering strong fruit character and a genuine Michigan apple base that justifies its place among flavored competitors. Why Blake's Blue Raspberry? What separates this cider from the growing field of blue raspberry drinks is Blake's commitment to starting with real Michigan apples grown on their own farm — not from concentrate, and free of artificial flavoring or caramel coloring. The Kinder Cider initiative adds a layer of purpose, with each purchase supporting nonprofit organizations. At 6.5% ABV, it strikes a practical balance between flavor intensity and sessionability. For drinkers who want a bold, fruit-driven cider with genuine agricultural roots, Blake's Blue Raspberry delivers without relying on shortcuts.
