The Northeast is flooded with orchards and distilleries that offer the perfect ciders for every palate. With New York being the second-largest producer of apples in the nation, it has over 125 hard cider producers. Throughout Westchester, restaurants and bars carry ciders from Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut. However, it’s rewarding to order a glass that’s made in a town near you. We found some of the best local ciders crafted from top-notch apples grown in New York.
Hardscrabble Cider
130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem; 914.485.1210
Hardscrabble is 100% hand-crafted on the family’s farm. Alex, Kevin, and Ben Covino, three brothers from Brewster, acquired the orchard back in 2011, and their first task was to plant thousands of apple whips. The apples (a variety of 10 onsite) are picked from the orchard, cleaned, pressed, fermented, and bottled to perfection. The fermentation process is carefully monitored, and the libation is filtered numerous times to guarantee a clean and fresh taste. With a selection of dry, tart, hazy, and even spicy varieties on tap, you won’t run out of options. Plus, the cidery offers specialty drinks, like a cider mimosa, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Thompson’s Cider Mill
Croton-on-Hudson; 914.409.3433
Thompson’s Cider Mill is open for the season on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its hard cider is available year-round for pickup or delivery. Thompson’s Cider Mill carries apple-rose, apple-raspberry, apple-blueberry, apple-black cherry, and pear varieties, as well as semi-dry, dry, and double gold hard cider. Can we get a glass? Geoff Thompson began operations in 1975 by using a hand-operated grinder and juice press. Thompson later purchased a plot of land to build the mill along with his family’s home. Now, more than 500 trees stand in the orchard and contribute to the creation of cider. You can also find these sips at eateries across Westchester.
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Merchant’s DaughterÂ
8 Main St, Purdys; 914.372.7610
Merchant’s Daughter’s restored taproom is located in Purdys inside of a New England-style building. The Westchester brand offer three ciders: Dry, Semi-Dry, and Clara’s Reserve. The Semi-Dry features hints of apple blossoms and honeydew melons, while the Dry has notes of peach and apricot. Clara’s Reserve is made from apples harvested in 2017. It boasts a stately apple flavor with additional notes of ginger, almond, and butterscotch. Find Merchant’s Daughter bottles at multiple DeCicco & Sons, along with other stores and breweries around Westchester.
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Related: Where to Buy Apple Cider Donuts in Westchester County
