New York’s Obsession with Apples: Our best orchards and ciders
New York is known as the Big Apple for a reason—our state’s love affair with this iconic fruit runs deep. Apples are not just a symbol of the city but also a staple of local traditions, especially during the holiday season. From cider to baked goods and handcrafted gifts, apples bring a touch of warmth and festivity to every holiday gathering. For New Yorkers looking to infuse their celebrations with locally sourced flavor, here are some top apple orchards near the Big Apple where you can pick up cider and other apple treats perfect for gifting or parties.
Apple Orchards Near NYC for Holiday Cider
1. Masker Orchards
Location: Warwick, NY (About 1.5 hours from NYC)
What to Try: Masker Orchards is a family-friendly destination known for its wide variety of apples and freshly made cider. Their rich, unfiltered cider is a perfect base for mulled cider or holiday cocktails.
Bonus: Stock up on apple butter and baked goods from their farm store to round out your holiday table.
2. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Location: Yorktown Heights, NY (About 1 hour from NYC)
What to Try: This charming orchard offers both traditional and sparkling ciders that make excellent holiday gifts. Their cider has a crisp, clean flavor that pairs beautifully with festive meals.
Bonus: Pick up a fresh-cut Christmas tree while you're there.
3. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Location: North Salem, NY (About 1 hour from NYC)
What to Try: Known for their artisanal hard cider, Harvest Moon is a favorite among cider enthusiasts. Their bottled cider is ideal for party hosts looking to serve something local and unique.
Bonus: Visit their market for freshly baked pies and apple-inspired gifts.
4. Fishkill Farms
Location: Hopewell Junction, NY (About 1.5 hours from NYC)
What to Try: Fishkill Farms produces an array of organic ciders, including sweet and hard varieties. Their “Treasury Cider,” made from estate-grown apples, is a holiday must-have.
Bonus: Their farm store also features jams, local cheeses, and other artisanal products for a complete holiday basket.
5. Angry Orchard Innovation Cider House
Location: Walden, NY (About 2 hours from NYC)
What to Try: Angry Orchard’s Walden location offers exclusive ciders not available elsewhere, including limited-edition holiday blends. Their barrel-aged ciders bring a sophisticated touch to holiday gatherings.
Bonus: Take a tour of their cidery and learn about the craftsmanship behind their products.
How to Use Apple Cider for the Holidays
1. Holiday Cocktails
Transform your cider into seasonal drinks like spiked hot cider, apple mules, or cider sangria. Pair a bottle of cider with your favorite spirit for a thoughtful gift.
2. Mulled Cider
Create a warm and inviting drink by simmering cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Serve it at your next holiday party or package the mulling spices as a gift.
3. Pairing with Desserts
Cider pairs wonderfully with desserts like apple pie, gingerbread, and spiced cookies. Include a bottle as part of a holiday dessert spread.
Why Apples Are the Perfect Holiday Symbol
Apples symbolize abundance, warmth, and community—qualities that resonate during the holiday season. Incorporating locally sourced cider into your gifts and gatherings supports New York’s vibrant agricultural heritage while bringing authentic flavors to your festivities.
The Big Apple’s Holiday Tradition
This year, embrace New York’s apple obsession by visiting one of these orchards to stock up on cider and holiday goodies. Whether you’re hosting a party, creating a gift basket, or simply savoring the season, apples bring a taste of the orchard to the heart of the holidays.
