Where to Enjoy Local Craft Cider in Minneapolis
As craft breweries sweep the nation, let's not forget about the equally awesome craft cider making its way on to the scene too! Slowly but surely Minneapolis is becoming home to a handful of cider taprooms. For those less inclined to the beer scene, or just wanting something a little different, check out these Minneapolis cider hot spots on your next outing!
1. Minneapolis Cider Company
On a mission to make everyone as passionate about cider as they are, Minneapolis Cider Company welcomes you to experience what makes cider so special. Not only do they offer their one of a kind creations on draft, they also serve Royale cocktails and local charcuterie. With a spacious outdoor patio and taproom pickleball court, it's the perfect stop on a beautiful night out. For anyone yearning to learn more about the process, sign up for one of their cider classes or tours!
2. Number 12 Cider
Meet the cider house that celebrates the fruit, the growers, and cider drinkers alike! They offer up to 16 distinct ciders for all to enjoy in their relaxed and inviting taproom. Play some cornhole or join a dart league for the chance to win free cider for an entire month! Looking for some nourishment along with your drink? Just next door is Little Tomato, offering wood-fired pizza options for all, featuring farm-fresh ingredients and gluten-free options.
3. Sociable Cider Werks
Share a pint with a friend at Sociable Cider Werks, the first cidery and taproom in Minneapolis. They brew freshly-pressed apples with a variety of fruits, grains, hops and spices to make some of the city's most popular cider libations. Sociable is host to a plethora of events throughout the year, including local markets, concert series and holiday/seasonal themed festivities.
4. Urban Forage Winery and Cider House
One hundred percent gluten-free and without added preservatives, Urban Forage makes ciders, meads and wines on site from locally sourced fruit, flowers and honey. Always featuring four ciders on tap, they also sell red wine, and bottles of mead and cider at their taproom - you will also find snacks for sale but feel free to BYOF (bring your own food!) if you wish. Come on down for trivia every Thursday or winery tours and tastings every Sunday.
Honorable Mentions: Minnesota-Made Ciders
While not made in Minneapolis, these Minnesota-made ciders can be found all over the city in bottles, drafts, and at liquor stores Milk and Honey Ciders has a taproom in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and produces dry, highly aromatic and tannic ciders. Made just a couple of hours north in Duluth is Wild State Cider, whose mission is to celebrate and protect what’s wild, and Duluth Cider, which explores everything from traditional fermentation to experimental techniques. South of Minneapolis you'll find Loon Juice, which uses only Honey Crisp apples and Keepsake Cider, an organic, family owned orchard that uses spontaneous fermentation.
