About the business
Nestled in the heart of County Armagh, our family orchard has crafted cider from blossom to bottle for over a century.
How did Troughtons Premium begin?
Troughtons Premium was created by the team behind Armagh Cider Company, our family-run apple-growing and drinks business based on our home farm in County Armagh.
Having produced cider and apple juice for many years, we wanted to develop a premium range of soft drinks using the natural spring water found here on the farm.
Troughtons Premium launched in 2019 with a selection of tonics and mixers. These were followed by our premium sparkling lemonades and Orchard Twist sparkling apple juices.
The range allowed us to build on our experience as drinks producers while creating something new that remained closely connected to the farm, its orchards and its natural resources.
What do you make and what makes your products special?
We produce a range of award-winning ciders and premium soft drinks, including tonics and mixers, sparkling lemonades, Orchard Twist sparkling apple juices and seasonal spiced apple drinks.
Our drinks are produced and bottled on our family farm using natural County Armagh spring water. We use real sugar and carefully selected ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives.
Our Orchard Twist range is made using apples grown in our own orchards. This gives the drinks a genuine connection to the place where they are produced and brings the flavour and character of County Armagh apples into every bottle.
What are you most proud of?
We’re very proud that our drinks are produced and bottled on site at our family farm.
The natural spring water used in the Troughtons Premium range comes directly from the farm, while the apples used in our Orchard Twist drinks are grown in our own orchards. This allows us to oversee the journey from orchard and spring right through to the finished bottle.
As a small, independent producer, we take great care over the quality, flavour and consistency of every batch. Being involved throughout the process helps us ensure that every drink reflects the standards and character of our family business.
What should someone try first?
For anyone discovering our range for the first time, we would recommend our Troughtons Premium Sparkling Blush Lemonade.
It’s one of our most popular drinks and offers a lovely introduction to the range. It combines refreshing sparkling lemonade with raspberry flavour, creating a drink that is fruity, crisp and not overly sweet.
For anyone particularly interested in our apple range, we would also recommend our Orchard Twist Sparkling Apple Juice, made using apples grown here on our County Armagh farm.
How would you describe its flavour or character in a few words?
Fresh, fruity, lightly sparkling and refreshing, with a balanced combination of raspberry and citrus flavours.
The natural spring water used in the Troughtons Premium range comes directly from the farm, while the apples used in our Orchard Twist drinks are grown in our own orchards.
What is your favourite way to serve or enjoy it?
We love to serve our Sparkling Blush Lemonade well chilled over plenty of ice, finished with fresh raspberries and a slice of lemon.
It also makes a lovely alcohol-free option for celebrations, summer lunches and family gatherings. It feels special enough for an occasion while remaining light and refreshing.
Can you share one simple serving suggestion, pairing or recipe idea for our members?
For a simple summer drink, pour Sparkling Blush Lemonade over ice and add a few fresh raspberries, sliced strawberries and a sprig of mint.
It also works well as a premium mixer and pairs very nicely with gin or vodka.
Our Orchard Twist Sparkling Apple Juice is lovely served chilled alongside roast pork, a cheese board or afternoon tea. It’s equally enjoyable simply poured into a glass and served on its own.
What might people be surprised to learn about you, your product or your business?
People are often surprised to discover that our drinks are made and bottled on a working family farm.
Our family has been growing apples at Ballinteggart House since 1898, and the business now spans five generations. Today, we have around 80 acres of orchards and produce our cider, apple juice and premium soft drinks on site.
We also have our own natural spring water source on the farm, which is used throughout the Troughtons Premium range.
That means the story behind our drinks is closely tied to the land around us, from the apples growing in the orchards to the water used to create each bottle.
What’s next for the business?
We’re continuing to grow the Troughtons Premium range and introduce our drinks to more independent retailers, farm shops, restaurants, hotels and foodservice customers throughout Ireland and Great Britain.
We’re also developing new flavours and seasonal products, as well as exploring private-label opportunities.
At the same time, we want to continue promoting our Orchard Twist sparkling apple juices and naturally made premium soft drinks, while maintaining the quality and close connection to the farm that define the range.
Favourite ingredient to work with?
County Armagh apples. They are at the heart of our family business and give our drinks a real sense of place.
Your go-to meal or comfort food?
A traditional roast dinner, ideally followed by a homemade County Armagh apple tart.
Most memorable food experience?
Welcoming visitors to our farm and seeing them enjoy products made using apples grown in the orchards around them. It is always rewarding to share the journey from blossom to bottle.
Top tips from the Troughtons team
Serve Sparkling Blush Lemonade well chilled over plenty of ice, with fresh raspberries and a slice of lemon.
For an easy summer serve, add sliced strawberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
Pair Orchard Twist Sparkling Apple Juice with roast pork, cheese boards or afternoon tea, or simply enjoy it chilled on its own.
