Locally minded cider lovers have it made in B.C., our glorious province being home to so many sun-drenched orchards. The Okanagan is obviously a major producer, but fine cidermakers can also be found on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast and in the Lower Mainland. Here are three picks from cideries within 100 clicks of downtown Vancouver to consider for your next Happy Hour. (Check out BC Cider Way for a complete guide to all the varieties from these parts.) 

Fraser Valley Cider Company’s Blackcurrant and Cardamon 

We love the creative flavours coming from the folks at this 12-acre Langley farm with 1,800 trees and 25 varieties of English and French apples. The colour of cranberries, this off-dry cider tastes a bit like chai but with a puckery, much brighter edge. We’d suggest sipping it on its own in all its bold glory, but it also goes gorgeously with cheese. The company delivers to Vancouver, too. PS: Some spell it cardamom; some don't. 

Windfall Cider’s Wild Card

Vancouver’s urban cidery opened in 2018, and its Hail Mary dry rose cider continues to be its most popular. We’re just as fond of the new Wild Card (which was launched just as COVID-19 was hitting BC in full force). It’s dry-hopped and citrusy but has enough nuttiness to make it a hit with beer lovers, too. Pair it with Mexican food or charcuterie.

The Bricker Cider Company’s Frambo 

Based in Sechelt on a five-acre, family-run farm and orchard, Bricker has three main flavours plus rotating seasonals and small batches, such as Peaches & Cream, Elderberry & Lavender, and Apricot & Ginger. Bricker’s Frambo is a lip-smacking mainstay made with B.C. raspberries. Check the website to find local stockists or have it delivered via Canada Post.