Cascara is the skin that remains after coffee beans are removed from the inside of a coffee cherry, a thin-fleshed fruit that ripens about nine months after the coffee plant flowers.
For centuries the skin was discarded but when researchers realised coffee cherry pickers' hands were unusually soft and youthful, its anti-ageing properties were discovered.
Cascara is available in capsule form from health stores and is also an ingredient in some skin-care creams and beauty products.
Leading skin expert Dr Paul Jarrett is sceptical about any potential health benefits of the cider, which has been launched at selected Liquorland stores.
Dr Jarrett, dermatologist at Middlemore Hospital and president elect of the New Zealand Dermatological Society, is not convinced the drink will rejuvenate skin.
"I cannot find any scientific evidence to support this claim," Mr Jarrett said. "However, I am sure that the more you drink, the better you think you look."
