I only use cider in pork casseroles, along with sliced cooking apples from our Bramley tree. (Husband sometimes eats pork, he calls it halal pork!)
I once tried some dodgy cider when I was a student. Just a small glass. I was as sick as a dog for ages. After that, I stuck to McEwans Export (only a half-a-pint at a time) then discovered Old Speckled Hen.
Good ale beats cider any day.