Martinelli’s—love it or hate it, you know it’s going to be on the holiday table. The famous sparkling cider beverage comes in more than 10 flavors, but which one is best? We asked the newspaper staff to rank the five most common flavors to help you decide which flavor should be on your menu this holiday season. Here’s what they had to say:

#1: Best Overall: Sparkling Cider

This timeless classic was unsurprisingly the favorite among the newspaper staff. Featuring 100 percent juice from U.S.-grown apples, this signature spritzer proves that simplicity can be best.

  • “Like a rocketship shooting through the stars.” – Sofia Bell, Senior
  • “Sweet, a little bitter, highly nostalgic.” – Penny Deitz, Junior
  • “Apple notes, woody effervescence, slight tang, light on tongue, and crisp. Remains a constant in any flavor palette.” – Emmett Coughlan

#2: Most Festive: Sparkling Apple-Cranberry

A splash of cranberry brings a holiday twist to this deep flavor. The apple juice brings a sweetness that is balanced, not overpowered, by the tartness of the cranberry juice. This is the best option for those who enjoy the classic apple but are looking for a little extra flair for the dinner table. 

  • “Reminiscent of a sweeter time” – Elliott Gardner, Sophomore
  • “Exquisite, eye-opening, a delightful change in the senses, refreshing, sweet, and tart.” – Yosuke Shibata, Junior
  • “The flavors mesh together into something wholly unique.” – Ty Jones, Sophomore

#3: Most Flavorful: Sparkling Apple-Grape
Who doesn’t like grape juice? Who doesn’t like apple juice? The fusion sounds like a no-brainer, but our reviewers found that it doesn’t quite pan out. Apple and grape have their own levels of sweetness and tartness, but when combined they leave a simple, sweet mess.

  • “For the kids’ table.” – Lily Yao, Senior
  • “It tastes like if unicorn was a flavor. Too sweet and grape-y.” – Abby Ketchum, Senior
  • “Way too sweet. Why does everything have to be a combination? Are solitary flavors not good enough?” – Jackson Whittaker, Junior

#4: Most Elegant: Sparkling Blush

With its beautiful golden blush color, Sparkling Blush immediately caught the attention of the newspaper staff. Indeed, this flavor brings a touch of sophistication to the table, enough to elevate any occasion. Want to impress your friends and family with your complex palette? This could be the choice for you.

  • “Tangy, fruity, smooth, seems less sweet.” – Bobbie Willis, Advisor
  • “Tastes like yogurt.” – Abby Ketchum, Senior
  • “Sweet and romantic flavor, perfect for a wedding.” – Yosuke Shibata, Junior

#5: Worst Overall: Sparkling Pear Cider

Apples and pears? Most of our newspaper staff decided that these two fruits simply don’t go together. Pear’s bright, tart edge delights on the tongue but overwhelms in a drink; too sharp, too dominant. Best left in the fruit bowl unless you’re courting chaos. 

  • “Rusty aftertaste, seems very sweet.” – Bobbie Willis, Advisor
  • “Smells weird. Pears should not be made into juice anymore.” – Abby Ketchum, Senior
  • “Reminds me of an interesting take on a childhood fruit drink.” – Kaden Young, Senior

Article By Lily Yao and Zev Wacks