There’s something about autumn that calls us to orchards. The air feels a little crisper, the leaves flare with color, and a glass of cider seems to fit perfectly in hand. Across America, cider makers are perfecting the art of crafting rich, refreshing drinks that blend tradition with innovation. Here are the cideries you need to know right now.
Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, New York
Step into Fly Creek and you’re greeted by the hum of a historic water-powered press, a sound that’s been part of this town for generations. The cider is sweet and smooth, pressed from New York apples. Families wander between duck races and gemstone mining. But it’s the first sip of golden cider that truly captures the magic of this place.
ERIS Brewery & Cider House, Illinois
In the heart of Chicago, ERIS feels like a secret garden in the city. The tasting room is lively, filled with chatter and clinking glasses, and each pour surprises you with a new twist. Blueberry blends, tart cherry ciders, and even pepper-kissed seasonal creations remind you that cider can be playful, elegant, and bold all at once. Pair it with brunch to make any morning extraordinary.
Vermont Cider Lab, Vermont
The hills of Vermont are alive with orchards, and in Essex, you’ll find the Cider Lab shining as one of the brightest. Their ciders burst with local character: a ginger-lemon spark that wakes your senses, a cranberry blend that feels like the holidays poured into a glass, and a blueberry-basil creation that tastes as vibrant as a summer garden. Each sip feels like a conversation with the land itself.
Mullers Cider House, New York
Rochester’s Mullers Cider House is a gathering space where locals and travelers alike linger over flights and share stories. The tap list rotates with over a hundred ciders from New York and beyond, but it’s their own carefully crafted pours that stand out. Think dry, orchard-driven flavors that let the apple shine without too much sweetness, or a spiced seasonal cider that warms you on a cold upstate evening. Long wooden tables invite you to settle in, sip slowly, and discover just how deep and varied cider can be.
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Connecticut
Just outside Mystic, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill still runs on a steam-powered press from the 1800s, filling the air with the sweet, pulpy scent of fresh apples as gears turn and wood creaks. Visitors line up for jugs of unfiltered sweet cider and bottles of hard cider that range from sharp and tangy to smooth and mellow. Warm cider doughnuts add to the old-world charm, making this place less like a museum and more like a living, breathing tradition you can taste.
Cider Corps, Arizona
In the middle of Mesa, Cider Corps is proof that great cider doesn’t need a green hillside orchard to thrive. Run by veterans, the cidery has built a reputation for bold, inventive flavors. Mango Foxtrot layers bright tropical fruit over a crisp apple base, while Camule Flage sharpens things with ginger and lime, echoing a classic mule cocktail. Inside the taproom, the atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with walls adorned with murals and a menu that encourages you to keep exploring glass after glass.
Portland Cider Company, Oregon
Portland Cider has become a staple of the Northwest cider scene, renowned for striking a balance between tradition and creativity. Their award-winning Original Gold is crisp and clean, with just the right amount of apple sweetness to keep each sip refreshing. Seasonal blends often incorporate local fruits like marionberries or cherries, lending the ciders a distinct Oregon character. While the downtown taproom has closed, you can still find their flagship tasting room just outside the city, where pints are poured alongside hearty pub food and a community atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back.
Rhinegeist’s Cidergeist, Ohio
In Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine district, Rhinegeist is best known for its craft beer. But its cider line, Cidergeist, has carved out a loyal following. The taproom is vast, with high ceilings and long communal tables where the energy feels more like a festival than a bar. Their semi-dry is crisp and tart, without leaning too sweet, while seasonal flavors bring playful twists, such as blood orange or dry-hopped apple. It’s the kind of place where you come for the atmosphere but leave remembering the cider.
Dragon’s Head Cider, Washington
A short ferry ride from Seattle brings you to Vashon Island, where Dragon’s Head pours ciders that feel both rustic and refined. The orchards here are filled with uncommon apple varieties, such as Crimson Gold and Airlie Red, each lending its own character to the glass. One cider might open with a bright, lemony snap, while another leans toward an earthy, tannic finish that is both dry and complex. Sipping on the island, surrounded by evergreens and salt air, you understand why Dragon’s Head has become a Pacific Northwest favorite.
Gypsy Circus, Tennessee
In Kingsport, Gypsy Circus proudly holds the title of Tennessee’s first craft cidery, and it has evolved into a vibrant hub for cider enthusiasts. The Barrelhouse taproom is warm and bustling, often hosting live music that spills out onto the patio. Their Raindancer is a fan favorite, crisp and lightly sweet, while seasonal releases experiment with bold fruits and spices. Whether you’re stopping in for a flight or catching a concert, the ciders here taste like a true celebration of Appalachia.
Waldschänke Ciders & Coffee, Colorado
In Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, Waldschänke brings a Swiss twist to Colorado’s cider scene. The menu seamlessly transitions between craft ciders and strong European-style coffee, allowing you to start your day with an espresso and return later for a dry-hopped apple cider or a semi-sweet blend infused with local fruit. The space feels casual and welcoming, with long tables, fresh bread on the counter, and the hum of neighbors catching up. It’s less a quick stop and more a place to settle in and taste two traditions under one roof.
Raise a Glass to America’s Cider Trail
From New England orchards to Arizona taprooms, America’s cideries are proving that apples have a voice as bold as wine or beer. Each stop on this trail offers something different: history you can feel in the press, flavors that push the boundaries of tradition, and communities that gather around every pour. If you’re planning your next trip, let cider lead the way. There’s no better way to taste the season than with a glass that captures the best of American craft.