The Philly Guide To All Things Cider
Apple cider and cider donuts are fall staples, and there are plenty of places that sell them in and around Philadelphia. But what if you're in the mood for a different kind of cider treat, or one with a kick? Here are our picks for a (somewhat boozy) taste of autumn within city limits.
SPIKED CIDER DRINKS
City Tavern
138 S. 2nd St.
www.citytavern.com
Depending on the temperature, try the Cooler or the Warmer, made with apple cider, Madeira, rum and whiskey.
Jack's Firehouse
2130 Fairmount Ave.
www.jacksfirehouse.com
Jack's offers hot apple cider with rum and brandy in the fall.
London Grill
2301 Fairmount Ave.
www.londongrill.com
London Grill's got you covered on the cider drink angle: In addition to hot apple cider with your choice of alcohol, there's also the Spiced Apple Martini, made with apple cider, cinnamon, Lazzeroni Amaretto and Brugal Blanco rum.
Varga Bar
10th & Spruce Sts.
www.vargabar.com
Varga's Miss December Spiked Cider is a delish cocktail that includes spiced rum, gingersnap liqueur and warm housemade cider.
Revolution Cider
4500 Worth Street
www.revolutioncider.com
Drink your cider old-school style: Philly's only cider brewery, Revolution, is run by brothers Jonathan and Gideon Gradman, who brew their product using a Colonial fermentation technique. What's that mean for you? Less bubbles and sweetness, and a drier, more white wine-ish taste. Taste it at restaurants like Falls Taproom, Devil's Den and Farmicia.
SWEETS
Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd St.
www.barferdinand.com
Try the Torrija de Manzana, which includes fried cider-soaked bread (how could you go wrong?), cinnamon ice cream and candied orange zest.
Fountain
Four Seasons
1 Logan Square
www.fourseasons.com
It's not on the menu, but Fountain's apple cider sorbet gets rave reviews.
Square 1682
121 S. 17th St.
www.square1682.com
Like a high-brow version of the cider donut, Square 1682's Apple Cider Fritters—with Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream and apple cider vinegar, yum!—are doughy heaven.
SAVORIES
White Dog Café
3420 Sansom St.
www.whitedog.com
Get a taste of both of fall's signature fruits in the Apple Cider-Pumpkin Bisque with toasted pumpkin seeds, golden raisins, sun-dried cherries and spiked Greek yogurt.
