Nothing says fall quite like a glass of apple cider (preferably alcoholic.) These four cider mills in Texas not only have some of the best sips in the business, but their atmospheres are charming as can be.
1. Austin Eastciders (Austin)
It all started back in 2012, when an Englishman from the heart of British cider country found himself in Austin. All Ed Gibson needed was a business-minded person across the pond, and he found just that in Mark King. Together, the pair created a beverage that would forever change how people drink cider.
Originally, Austin Eastciders was strictly wholesale. In 2017, they decided to open a taproom for patrons to gather and sample new releases while enjoying live music, games, and food.
Eight ciders are currently on tap, including everything in this photo as well as a few other selections. Three limited edition pours, one of which is watermelon, offer even more unique flavor profiles guaranteed to send your taste buds on a bubbly adventure. Plus, the cider only has three grams of sugar and no artificial flavorings!
Address: 979 Springdale Road, Suite 130, Austin, TX 78702. Hours are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
2. Texas Keeper Cider (Manchaca)
Hiding in the tiny town of Manchaca (population: 1,133) is a charming cidery that looks like something from a movie. With its chic lights and picnic tables, your heart will be stolen before even walking inside.
Grab a seat in the sipping room - a much more eloquent name than 'tasting room,' in our opinion - and get ready for good drinks, food, and conversation. It's an intimate space, but not in a claustrophobic way by any means. The cidery maintains a core belief of keeping things small-scale, from their cellar to the handcrafted equipment and everything in between.
All of the cider is made using 100% fresh-pressed apples. Order a flight to sample a little bit of everything, then take a bottle of your favorite to go. Several varieties of mead and wine are available as well.
Address: 12521 Twin Creeks Road, Manchaca, TX 78652. Hours are 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
3. Bishop Cidercade (Dallas)
Cider mills don't exactly abound in the DFW Metroplex, which is precisely what makes this gem so special. Bishop Cidercade looks more like an office building from the outside, but these stone cold walls are hiding something incredible.
Vintage arcade games extend from wall to wall, far as the eye can see - over 170 of them, in fact. $10 admission grants you unlimited play, leaving more disposable income for the 30+ wines and beers on tap.
Everything is made on-site, and you can definitely taste the difference. Current offerings include lemonade, sweet tea, honeydew, and even cactus fruit! Vending machines provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages for the youngsters, who are allowed in until 8 p.m.
2777 Irving Boulevard,
Dallas, TX 75207. Hours are 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
4. Argus Cidery (Austin)
This Austin locale looks precisely how you'd expect a cider mill to: quaint and rustic as can be. Two giant wooden doors lead inside a vintage barn complete with barrels and a chalkboard listing the current offerings.
Country chic decor in the form of a mahogany ceiling and dim lights hanging from it give off a homey vibe that's impossible to ignore. No attempt to hide the equipment has been made, as Argus values transparency above all else.
Get your cider in a flight, by the glass, or take home a whole bottle. 11 current pours guarantee there's something for everyone.
Have you been to any of these cider mills? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know your thoughts and recommendations! Check out our previous article for more can't-miss fall activities: Get Lost In These 8 Awesome Corn Mazes In Texas This Fall.
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