Martinelli’s Sparkling Cans and 1868 Hard Cider Review

In 2024, we tried two Martinelli’s products: its Sparkling Cans and 1868 Hard Cider. Product availability and packaging may have changed since then.

Sparkling Cans: Northern California’s Best-Kept Secret

Then there are the Sparkling Cans, a product so exclusive you’d think they came with a velvet rope and a bouncer. At the time of this 2024 review, these cans were described as a Northern California offering at about $5.49 come in three flavors: Apple Cranberry, Apple Juice, and Apple Mango. Because, apparently, plain apple isn’t “sparkling” enough anymore.

The Apple Cranberry strikes a pleasant balance between tart and sweet as if the apples and cranberries had an arm-wrestling match and called it a tie. The Apple Juice is your classic Martinelli’s in portable form—great for long car rides or pretending to be a responsible adult at a picnic. And then there’s the Apple Mango, which tastes like a mango snuck into the apple orchard and decided to stay awhile.

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cans and 1868 Hard Cider Verdict

In our 2024 tasting, Martinelli’s 1868 Hard Cider was flavorful without being overly sweet, while the Sparkling Cans stood out for portability and familiar fruit-forward flavors.

Our preference came down to occasion: the cider for a more traditional tasting experience, and the cans for portability.

For more beverage coverage, see our coffee and beverage guide.