The summer on the Costa Blanca gets intense, and nothing beats a properly chilled drink on the terrace. If you are a fan of imported cider, you will know that Northern Europe takes this very seriously, but with two completely opposite styles: the clash between British tradition and Sweden’s sweet innovation.
If you live in Catral, Dolores, Almoradí or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to travel to pick a side. At Food & Drink Stores, we break down the differences between the brands we have in stock so you can find your ideal companion for summer barbecues.
🇬🇧 British Ciders: Tradition, Body, and Dry Character
The United Kingdom is the world’s largest consumer of cider. Its style focuses on the flavour of ripe apples, physical balance, and a drier finish. On our shelves in Catral, two institutions stand out:
- Strongbow: The pub cider par excellence. Refreshing, crisp-tasting, and with a very clean, bitter edge. Served ice-cold, it is the favourite choice for British residents in the Vega Baja to unwind after work.
- Thatchers: Straight from Somerset. If you are looking for a craft cider with rich notes of authentic cider apples, this is your go-to option. It boasts that golden body that delights the most traditional palates.
🇸🇪 Swedish Ciders: A Fruit Explosion and Refreshing Sweetness
Sweden revolutionised the international market by changing the rules of the game: less focus on pure apple and a greater emphasis on fruit and berry combinations.
- Kopparberg: The Swedish giant. Famous for its Strawberry & Lime or Mixed Berries varieties. Its serve ritual is sacred around the pools and gardens of Alicante: a huge glass, packed to the brim with ice, and garnished with slices of fresh fruit. It is sweet, light, and dangerously easy to drink.
Summary Table for the Undecided
| Brand | Origin | Flavour Profile | Ideal Occasion on the Costa Blanca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strongbow | United Kingdom | Dry and highly refreshing | The classic “after-work” drink or paired with meat. |
| Thatchers | United Kingdom | Natural fruitiness, craft-style | Hearty meals and relaxing afternoons. |
| Kopparberg | Sweden | Sweet, intense fruit flavours | Afternoons by the pool with plenty of ice. |
Where to Buy International Ciders in Vega Baja?
If you are organising a gathering and wondering where to find Kopparberg or Strongbow stock near you, the answer lies right in the heart of the region. At Food & Drink Stores, we receive regular supplies of imported drinks so you never have to go without your favourite.
📍 Visit us at: Calle Pascual Guerrero Culiañez, 32, 03158 Catral, Alicante.
🚗 Just a few minutes from: Almoradí, Crevillente, Dolores, Guardamar, and Rojales.
📞 Want to reserve a case for your party? Call us on: +34 966 78 78 91

