Martinelli’s, makers of premium quality apple juice for more than 155 years, returns to its roots with the re-introduction of 1868 Hard Cider.

In the late 1910’s, the Martinelli family, anticipating a need to pivot during changing political times that resulted in the outlawing of the sale of alcoholic beverages, developed a pasteurized, non-alcoholic version of the family’s cider. When the National Prohibition Act went into effect in early 1920, they had already replaced their hard cider with non-alcoholic sparkling and still apple juice.

The hard cider made its return in 1933, when the 21st Amendment made the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages legal again, putting an end to Prohibition.  Over the years, Martinelli’s hard cider returned to shelves for a limited time, most recently in 2018, to celebrate the company’s 150th Anniversary.

This time, it’s here to stay.

1868 Hard Cider is made from 100% US grown, fresh-pressed apples in a classic blend of Newtown Pippin and West Coast varieties that give it its signature, just-picked, apple flavor.

1868 Hard Cider will be available at select Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, World Market, New Leaf, Raley’s, Nugget, Total Wine and Bev Mo! stores in northern California. The 1868 collection includes three 12-ounce flavors, Original, Imperial, and Mango, with more being added to the portfolio in the coming months.