Thanks for all the comments. It sounds like there are many different ways to get started, just pick what way works for you. That's pretty cool. Definitely something I'm interested in.
VinS - I'll definitely check into that, it's right around the corner, and might be the best way for me to get some ideas on how to get started, thanks!
While I appreciate the shout out, I'm not certain my approach is applicable to a brand new brewer.
To the OP....I'm not familiar with any of the beverages you mention. If you could describe them a bit more, maybe we could figure out what you're after and how to help you.
The drinks all call themselves different things, though mainly hard cider or apple ale. The Leinenkugel (sp?) has a definitely beer flavor, with a slight fruit aftertaste. Another I forgot is Shocktop, which has an apple drink as well. It's not as heavy on the beer flavor as the Leinenkugel, but obviously present. The others are all very similar, with more fruit than anything when it comes to flavor. My fiancee just doesn't like the taste of beer itself, not sure if it's the malt or hops or what. But the apple ales or cidars have almost none of that taste. That's what we're looking to make. Since almost all of them are apple based, I thought it might be fun to branch out, try some other stuff. Mango makes a good mixed drink, why not a mango ale?
Tons of fruits out there, and I'm curious lol