Texas has become a burgeoning hub for craft cider enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of cideries that cater to various tastes and preferences. From urban taprooms to rustic countryside establishments, the Lone Star State boasts an impressive selection of cider producers who are putting their unique spin on this classic beverage.
Exploring Texas cideries provides an opportunity to discover refreshing and innovative takes on hard cider, often crafted with locally sourced ingredients. These establishments not only offer a chance to sample delicious beverages but also provide insight into the growing cider culture in Texas. Visitors can expect to find both traditional apple ciders and creative flavor combinations that showcase the ingenuity of Texas cider makers.
1) Austin Eastciders
Austin Eastciders is a prominent player in the Texas cider scene. Founded by an Englishman with a background in cider bars, the company has made a name for itself in the Lone Star State.
The cidery prides itself on sourcing high-quality cider apples and using only natural ingredients. This commitment results in complex and delicious ciders that capture the essence of Texas.
Austin Eastciders offers a diverse range of flavors. Their lineup includes classic ciders as well as innovative creations that push the boundaries of traditional cider-making.
The cidery’s taproom is located on a bustling corner en route to the lake, making it a perfect stop for refreshment. Visitors can enjoy a meal or sample various ciders in a welcoming atmosphere.
Austin Eastciders has gained recognition beyond Texas, with their products available in several states. The company’s success demonstrates the growing popularity of craft cider in the region.
Austin Eastciders
979 Springdale Rd #130, Austin, TX 78702
Website: austineastciders.com
2) Argus Cidery
Argus Cidery, founded in 2010 in Austin, Texas, specializes in crafting dry, effervescent hard ciders. Their mission was to create unique American ciders that challenge traditional expectations.
The cidery focuses on producing 100% fruit fermentables without added sugars or pasteurization. This approach results in crisp, flavorful ciders that showcase the natural qualities of the fruit.
Argus offers a range of ciders, including small-batch varieties with innovative flavor combinations. Some of their more adventurous options feature ingredients like cherry and calamansi.
Visitors can experience Argus Cidery’s creations firsthand at their tasting room. Located on Pauls Valley Road in Austin, it’s open to the public on weekends.
Argus Cidery has grown from its Texas roots to become a respected name in the American craft cider scene. Their commitment to quality and innovation continues to attract cider enthusiasts.
Argus Cidery
Address: 12345 Pauls Valley Road, Austin, TX 78737
Website: www.arguscidery.com
3) Texas Keeper Cider
Texas Keeper Cider offers a unique cider experience in the Austin area. Located in Manchaca, this cidery produces small-batch, full-strength ciders using 100% fresh pressed apples.
The cidery draws inspiration from various sources, including beer and mead. This results in a diverse range of flavors, from classic ciders to innovative blends that mimic hefeweizen and IPA styles.
Texas Keeper’s taproom serves their own ciders alongside guest ciders, wines, and meads. Visitors can enjoy these beverages on-site or purchase them to take home.
The establishment is family-friendly and welcomes leashed dogs. On special weekends, guest chefs provide food options to complement the ciders.
Texas Keeper Cider takes its name from an apple variety cultivated in Lamar County during the 1880s, connecting the brand to Texas’ agricultural history.
Address: 12521 Twin Creeks Road, Manchaca, TX 78652
Phone: 512-910-3409
Email: info@texaskeeper.com
4) Bishop Cider Company
Bishop Cider Company emerged from a couple’s dissatisfaction with commercial cider options. Their passion for quality cider led them to create their own, eventually establishing a thriving business in Dallas, Texas.
The company offers a diverse range of craft hard ciders. Their signature Crackberry cider combines the sweetness of cranberries with a crisp apple base. Another popular option is the Pineapple Paradise, perfect for those seeking a tropical twist.
Bishop Cider Company also operates Cidercade, a unique venue that combines their cider taproom with an arcade. This innovative concept allows patrons to enjoy a variety of games while sipping on their favorite ciders.
The company’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned them a loyal following. They continually experiment with new flavors and styles, ensuring there’s always something new for cider enthusiasts to try.
Bishop Cider Company: 2777 Irving Blvd #200, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 364-7728
Website: www.bishopcider.com
5) Hye Cider Company
Hye Cider Company stands out as a craft beverage hotspot in the Texas Hill Country. Located on Highway 290, this cidery offers a unique tasting experience for cider enthusiasts.
The company specializes in cyser, a type of cider made with honey, as well as traditional ciders. Their creations are known for being exceptional, savory, and dry.
Visitors can sample a variety of ciders in the tasting room. Each cider boasts its own distinct flavor profile, catering to different palates.
Hye Cider Company has recently relocated its tasting room to the Texas Wine Collective. This move allows guests to enjoy their ciders in a new setting alongside other local beverages.
The cidery regularly hosts events and live music shows, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists exploring the 290 Wine Trail.
Address: 10354 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Website: www.hyecider.com
6) Fairweather Cider Co.
Fairweather Cider Co. offers a unique cider experience in North Austin’s brewing district. Located at 10609 Metric Blvd, Suite 108A, this cidery provides a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for cider enthusiasts.
The company prides itself on its diverse range of cider flavors. Visitors can sample classic dry ciders as well as innovative blends infused with gin botanicals, sweet tea, wine, and various fruits.
One of their popular offerings is the “Smell the Van” cider, infused with spent gin botanicals. For those seeking a refreshing twist, the “Cydersport” combines grapefruit flavors with added electrolytes.
Fairweather Cider Co. is known for its intimate setting, making it an ideal spot for gatherings with friends. The cidery also hosts events like Geeks Who Drink trivia nights, adding to its appeal as a social destination.
Fairweather Cider Co.
10609 Metric Blvd, Suite 108A, Austin, TX 78758
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (hours may vary)
7) Locust Cider & Brewing Co.
Locust Cider & Brewing Co. offers a unique cider experience in Texas. This Washington-based company has expanded its reach, bringing its innovative cider creations to the Lone Star State.
The cidery prides itself on crafting bold and distinctive flavors. Visitors can expect a rotating selection of ciders, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Locust Cider’s taprooms serve as experimental grounds for flavor combinations. This approach allows patrons to taste test unusual and exciting cider varieties before they hit the market.
The company’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium ingredients. Each cider is carefully crafted to deliver a memorable taste experience.
Locust Cider & Brewing Co. maintains a community-focused atmosphere in its taprooms. These spaces are designed to be welcoming and relaxed, perfect for enjoying a refreshing cider.
Contact: Visit locustcider.com for specific Texas location details and contact information.
8) Texas Mead Works
Texas Mead Works is a boutique meadery that has been crafting mead since 2010. Located in Seguin and Hye, Texas, this establishment offers a unique alternative to traditional ciders and wines.
The meadery produces a variety of meads, including specialty flavors that are perfect for fall parties and events. Their products can be found at various locations, including the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Texas Mead Works has gained recognition for its quality meads. They have been selected to produce a special 50th Anniversary mead called “Mead of the Lake” for the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Visitors can experience Texas Mead Works’ creations at tasting events and festivals throughout the state. Their meads offer a distinctive taste that sets them apart from other alcoholic beverages.
For those interested in exploring beyond ciders, Texas Mead Works provides an excellent opportunity to discover the world of mead.
Contact: Texas Mead Works, Seguin and Hye, TX. Website: texasmeadworks.com
9) Lewis Wines and Cider House
Lewis Wines offers a unique Texas wine experience in the heart of Hill Country. Established in 2010, this winery focuses on producing high-quality wines using only Texas-grown grapes.
The winery sits on a picturesque 100-acre property just west of Johnson City. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the primarily outdoor tasting room, which boasts excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Lewis Wines takes pride in their partnerships with local grape growers, ensuring they bring the best of Texas viniculture to their customers. Their commitment to quality extends from vineyard management to the final product.
While primarily known for their wines, Lewis Wines also offers a cider selection for those seeking a different taste experience. This addition caters to the growing popularity of craft ciders in Texas.
Visitors can find Lewis Wines at 3209 Highway 290 West, Johnson City, TX 78636. The tasting room is open daily from 10:30 am to 5 pm. For reservations or more information, contact (512) 987-0660 or visit their website.
10) Brickers Cider
Brickers Cider offers a refreshing take on traditional cider in Texas. Their Original cider is an off-dry variety that balances sweetness and acidity.
This sessionable cider is clean, crisp, and best served cold. At 5.4% alcohol by volume, it’s perfect for casual sipping.
Brickers also produces a Cascadia cider, expanding their range of flavors. The cidery focuses on using culinary apples to create light and refreshing drinks.
Visitors can enjoy Brickers ciders at their taproom, which offers a welcoming atmosphere for cider enthusiasts. The establishment also hosts events, adding to the local cider scene.
For those who prefer to enjoy at home, Brickers offers take-out options. Their ciders are now available in cans, making them convenient for off-site consumption.
Brickers Cider Company, 6642 Norwest Bay Road. Open Friday to Sunday 12-8pm, Monday to Thursday 12-5pm (take-out only in January and February). Phone: (469) 708-5444.
History of Texas Cider Production
Texas cider production has evolved from early agricultural roots to a thriving modern craft industry. The state’s journey with cider reflects changing tastes and agricultural practices over time.
Early Beginnings
Cider production in Texas dates back to the 19th century when settlers brought apple trees to the region. The Hicks’ Texas Keeper apple variety, cultivated in Lamar County in the 1880s, played a significant role in early cider-making efforts. Farmers grew apples primarily for personal consumption and small-scale cider production.
As Prohibition took effect in the early 20th century, commercial cider production declined sharply. Many apple orchards were repurposed or abandoned during this period.
Modern Developments
The Texas cider industry experienced a revival in the 21st century. In 2013, Texas Keeper Cider launched, paying homage to the state’s apple-growing history. This marked the beginning of a craft cider boom in the state.
By 2024, Texas boasts numerous cideries, with Austin leading the charge. Austin Eastciders, founded in the early 2010s, has gained popularity for its use of heritage apple varieties. Other notable establishments include Argus Cidery in Austin and Bishop Cider Co. in Dallas.
Today, Texas cideries experiment with diverse flavors, incorporating local ingredients and traditional techniques. The industry continues to grow, offering Texans a wide range of craft cider options.
Cider-Making Process
The cider-making process begins with selecting the right apple varieties. A mix of sweet, tart, and tannic apples creates a balanced flavor profile.
Once chosen, the apples are washed and ground into a pulp. This pulp is then pressed to extract the juice.
The freshly pressed juice is transferred to fermentation vessels. Yeast is added to kickstart the fermentation process, converting the natural sugars into alcohol.
Fermentation typically lasts 1-2 weeks. During this time, the cider maker monitors temperature and sugar levels closely.
After fermentation, the cider is racked (transferred) to remove sediment. It may undergo a second fermentation to enhance flavor and carbonation.
The final steps involve aging, blending, and bottling. Some ciders are aged in oak barrels for added complexity.
Cider makers may add flavors or sweeteners at this stage. Popular additions include fruits, spices, or honey.
The entire process from apple selection to bottling can take several weeks to months, depending on the desired style and complexity of the cider.
Popular Cider Varieties
Hard cider comes in a range of flavors and styles to suit different tastes. Traditional dry ciders offer a crisp, tart flavor profile reminiscent of champagne. These often appeal to wine enthusiasts looking for a lighter alternative.
Sweet ciders balance the natural tartness of apples with additional sugars. They tend to be more approachable for those new to cider drinking. Some cideries infuse their products with other fruits like berries or peaches for added complexity.
Hopped ciders incorporate hops, giving them a flavor profile similar to beer. This style bridges the gap between cider and craft beer, attracting fans of both beverages.
Barrel-aged ciders spend time in wooden barrels, often previously used for whiskey or wine. This imparts deeper, more complex flavors and higher alcohol content.
Ice ciders, made from frozen apples, offer intense sweetness and concentrated apple flavors. They’re often enjoyed as dessert ciders.
Cider makers continue to experiment with new flavors and techniques. Some incorporate spices, herbs, or even vegetables to create unique seasonal offerings.