Autumn is the perfect time of year to indulge in a glass of fresh, crisp, refreshing hard cider, and we’ve discovered a bunch of places that make there own in New Jersey!

(Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

First, a little hard cider history.

According to the site Webstaurant Store, hard cider, sometimes called hard apple cider or just cider, is an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice. You can make hard cider from all kinds of apples, cider apples are recognized as the best choice. One can enjoy the drink year-round, however, it is most popular during the late summer and fall months.

(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Hard cider has a rich history and cultural significance in many countries including Europe and America. Furthermore, it has been enjoyed for centuries and is deeply ingrained in the traditions of countries. Places like England, France, and Spain. Moreover,  production methods and flavor profiles can vary greatly depending on the region. This results in a wide range of cider styles to explore.

(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Here are some types of hard cider.

Dry Ciders. These ciders are less sweet, and usually contain a higher alcohol content.

Off Dry Ciders. Conversely, these type of cider have more of a smooth texture and accordingly, a rich sweeter flavor with more body.

Semi Dry and Semi Sweet Ciders. These two ciders, meanwhile, are similar characteristics, such as body, texture, and apple flavor.

(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

There are many national and international Autumn cider brands on the market today.

These include American brands such as Stella Artois Cidre, made in Baldwinsville, New York, Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider out of Vermont, and Angry Orchard from New York State.Meanwhile, there are plenty of popular international brands of cider you can find right now at your local liquor store. These include Magners Pear Cider from Ireland, and Samuel Smith’s Organic Hard Cider from England.

(Photo illustration by Cate Gillon/Getty Images)

Finally, there are some great hard cider makers right here in New Jersey. So grab the apples of your eye, and head out on a weekend day trip to enjoy some great Jersey Hard Cider!

(Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

• Beach Bee Meadery Craft Mead & Cider 89 Long Branch Avenue, Long Branch

  A project started by owners Curtis Madeleine and Jack in 2015, came to fruition in 2019 with the opening of Beach Bee. Their pick 4 for $15 flight is wildly popular, with current offering such as Peach Cobbler, Cranberry Lime, and Mango Habanero, to name a few. https://www.beachbeemeadery.com/current-tasting-room-menu/

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Beach Bee (@drinkbeachbee)

• Armageddon Brewing 900 Chestnut Avenue Suite J, Somerdale

  According to their website, Armageddon makes bold in-your-face ciders bursting with crisp apple and other added natural fruit flavors. From incredibly tart and dry, to extremely approachable and drinkable. The names of the beverages are also in your face, like Exile Semi Dry, and Resurrection Sweet. See more at https://www.armageddon-brewing.com/ciders

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Armageddon Brewing LLC (@armageddonbrewing)

• Melick's Town Farm Hard Cider 19 King Street, Oldwick

  Oldwick? I lived in Jersey my whole life and never heard of Oldwick! Let alone that there’s an awesome apple orchard and farm there! Melick’s makes some very interesting ciders for sure! From Lemon Shandy, to Jersey Ginger. Even a hoppy cider called King Street Hops. Check them out here: https://melickstownfarm.com/hard-cider/

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Melick’s Hard Cider (@melickshardcider)

• Burnt Mills Cider 3540 Route 206 in Bedminster

  The Bedminster area is beautiful this time of year and Burnt Mills fits right in. They take their name from a section of town with an interesting bit of Revolutionary-era history, according to their website, https://burntmillscider.com/story/ Check out their Fall Spice Cider, which they refer to as “apple pie in a glass”. Their impressive tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Burnt Mills Cider (@burntmillscider)

• Ironbound Hard Cider 360 Route 579 Asbury.

  No, Ironbound is not in Newark, but they do use Newark Cider Apples. No, it’s not in Asbury Park either. It’s in the town of Asbury, just off Route 78 near the Pennsylvania border. The cider makers here use fruit from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to give their cider its bold, fresh taste while also supporting a network of local family farms. Read more about their mission here: https://www.ironboundhardcider.com/newark-cider-apples

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ironbound Hard Cider (@ironboundhardcider)

• Skylands Beer & Wine Garden 447 Route 284 Wantage

  This place is a vibe! They have something for everyone. Local craft beers on tap. Local winery offerings by the glass or bottle, and the best place to get all the local craft ciders in one place. Plus a fantastic food menu, that you don’t find at many Cideries. https://skylandsbeerandwine.com/menu

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Luca Marvin Martini (@il_marvin)

Sign me up for the WRAT email newsletter!

Join ClubRAT for access to all the perks delivered right to your inbox from Jersey's Concert Connection! Get exclusive presale codes for upcoming shows, the latest updates with your favorite rockers, contest info, and more.

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.