The hard-cider boom is going the way of vodka, breeding all sorts of flavoured variants to build on its success. The category is not just about apples and pears any more. There are raspberry, peach, honey, strawberry-lime and even tequila ciders. Strongbow, the famous British-based pub brand (now controlled by Dutch brewer Heineken), recently came out with an elderflower infusion. This is its newest offering, flavoured with ginger. It should do well. Apple and ginger are about as natural a pairing as Fred and Ginger. The spiciness offsets the sweetness here to some extent, and the beverage is not short on ginger. But I'd prefer a little less sugar and a lot more effervescence. Lightly carbonated, it's smooth and medium-sweet, with moderate 4.5-per-cent alcohol and a lingering apple juice and candied-ginger finish that should pair well with grilled pork chops, cheeses and spicy fish tacos. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $15.18/four-pack in Saskatchewan, $4.25 in Manitoba.