Apple Cider at Sky Top Orchard

There’s nothing that says fall at Sky Top Orchard quite like a crisp cup of apple cider. At Sky Top Orchard, apple cider is a blend of history, tradition, and craftsmanship. For centuries, communities around the world have pressed apples into cider as a way to preserve the harvest and enjoy the fruit in a new form. Today, cider remains a seasonal highlight, offering a taste that reflects both the apples used and the process behind it. Before you take your next sip, it’s worth exploring where cider comes from, how it’s made, and what makes it different from apple juice.

A Brief History of Apple Cider

Apple cider has deep roots that stretch back thousands of years. In Europe, people were fermenting apple juice into cider as early as the Roman era, and the tradition continued to grow across countries like England, France, and Spain. When early settlers came to America, they brought this practice with them, planting apple orchards and pressing cider as a staple drink. In fact, for much of colonial America, cider was more common than water at the table, since it was safer to drink and easy to produce. Over time, cider evolved into both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, with fresh apple cider becoming especially popular at orchards and farm stands in the fall. Today, enjoying a glass of cider connects us not only to the flavor of the season but also to centuries of apple-growing heritage.

How Apple Cider Is Made

The process of making cider begins right in the orchard with freshly picked apples. Unlike apple juice, which often uses one or two varieties, cider is typically made from a blend of apple varieties. This mix of sweet, tart, and aromatic varieties creates a more complex flavor. After harvesting, the apples are washed and ground into a pulp, known as pomace. The pomace is then pressed to extract the juice, leaving some pomace behind, which gives cider its rich, cloudy appearance.

At Sky Top Orchard, our cider is made fresh during the season, so visitors can enjoy it at its peak flavor. Using a unique blend of apples grown at the orchard, our cider is pressed on site and is unpasteurized and free of any additives or preservatives. The result is a beverage that reflects both the quality of the apples and the care put into the process, offering a true taste of fall with every sip.

Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

Although cider and apple juice both come from apples, the two drinks have some differences. Apple cider is typically unfiltered, less processed, and has fewer additives and preservatives, which gives it a cloudy appearance and a flavor that’s richer and more complex. It often has a more robust, fresh-pressed taste that reflects the blend of apples used. Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered to remove solids, clarified for a clear look, and often has added sugars, sweeteners, and preservatives. This results in a sweeter, more uniform flavor that remains the same year-round.

Because cider is made seasonally and sold fresh, it’s most often found in the fall at orchards like Sky Top. Juice, however, is produced on a larger scale and can be purchased at grocery stores any time of year. Both have their place, but cider carries the unique character of the harvest season, making it a favorite for visitors seeking an authentic orchard experience.

A Key Ingredient

Apple cider is a key ingredient in our famous apple cider donuts.

At Sky Top Orchard, our fresh apple cider goes beyond the cup. It’s the star ingredient in many of our products, like our famous apple cider donuts, cider slushies, hard cider, and sparkling cider, giving them their rich, irresistible flavor.

You can also bring the taste of Sky Top into your own kitchen. Use it as a base for marinades, glazes, and salad dressings, or add it to baked goods for a naturally sweet, spiced flavor. A splash of cider can even elevate slow-cooked dishes like pulled pork or roasted vegetables. Whether enjoyed on its own, in Sky Top favorites, or in your own recipes at home, cider is a delicious way to make the most of apple season. Check out the new Sky Top Cookbook for recipe ideas. 

Sip the Season at Sky Top Orchard

Apple cider captures the essence of fall, from the fresh-picked apples to the pressing process that brings out their natural flavor. Each cup reflects the care and tradition behind its creation, offering a crisp, refreshing taste unique to the season. Visiting Sky Top Orchard gives you the chance to enjoy cider at its freshest, explore the orchard, and celebrate the harvest. Pair it with seasonal treats like our famous apple cider donuts, or enjoy it on its own, and you’ll experience a true taste of fall.