We may be best known for our breweries, but Wisconsin is also making a splash in the world of ciders. What started as a unique alternative to beer or wine has become a popular drink in its own right, with more and more cideries and specialty brews popping up all the time. Here are a handful of cider bars around the state where the thoughtful approach to cider production as well as fresh ingredients create flavors unlike any other. Cheers!
Lost Valley Cider Co. – Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s first cider bar, featuring hard ciders from all over the world, is nestled in the city’s Fifth Ward. Lost Valley’s tap room pours more than 20 varieties from the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Wisconsin, which includes the bar’s own house ciders.
If you want some tasty grub to accompany your drinks, Fuel St. Café, located down the way, delivers food straight to the bar. Traveling with your pup? No problem. Dogs are welcome (and encouraged) inside.
Ciderboys Cider – Stevens Point
In 2012, Ciderboys came to life to create unique hard ciders by blending unexpected fresh fruit flavors with the classic crisp taste of apple. Seven years later, there are more than 10 distinct flavors, including Pineapple Hula, Peach Country and Raspberry Smash. Visitors can take tours every day of the week except Sundays and try samples of the newest cider blends at Ciderboys home base, Stevens Point Brewery. Hang out with friends in the Point Patio where you and your crew can play outdoor games together and enjoy some delicious ciders.
The Cider Farm – Madison
You’ll find ciders handcrafted with special ingredients and small-batch attention for a complex and unique flavor experience at The Cider Farm in Madison. The farm’s four primary ciders are made from English and French cider apples and are deliciously crisp and pair well with food. The restaurant serves small plates and charcuterie boards with ingredients sourced from sustainable farms in Wisconsin. Stop by on weekends to hear live music and spend time with your favorite people.
Island Orchard Cider – Ellison Bay
Island Orchard Cider in Door County offers Normandy-style hard cider adapted from French, English and American trees and melded with Washington Island’s climate and rocky limestone style. Sit back in their taproom or on the patio and enjoy several varieties including Apple Cherry Cider, Oak Aged Apple Cider and Silver Apple Lavender Cider, all of which can be sampled at their cider house in Ellison Bay. Share a few snack plates from local producers and cheers to these Washington Island specialties.
Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery – Stockholm
On an 80-acre farm along the Great River Road, the owners of Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery in Stockholm make products from fermented apple juice and fresh fruit. Wine and cider samples are available in the tasting room, where you’ll find semi-dry, dry, sweet and sparkling ciders produced from different apple varieties. Bring the whole family to enjoy hayrides and a corn maze in the fall and take a tour through the orchard.
Looking for more ways to drink local in Wisconsin? Sip craft spirits straight from the source at these five Wisconsin distilleries.
