Where to find hard cider on Long Island

Way back when, in the 1700s, hard cider was the quintessential early American drink, something that graced almost every table. (Founding Father and President John Adams famously drank a tankard of the stuff every morning.) Though American cider production eventually dissipated, craft cider is now back in full force — still and sparkling, dry and sweet, fermented for a few weeks before bottling and generally lower in alcohol than wine. On Long Island, spots to find and enjoy locally produced hard cider are mostly clustered on the East End — though keep in mind that a few use apples from upstate, where orchards are more plentiful.

Lieb Cellars (13050 Oregon Rd., Cutchogue): North Fork apples are the base for this winery's Rumor Mill hard cider; sip some on the patio (at least in warmer weather) paired with a cheese or charcuterie plate. Reservations recommended. No limos, buses or outside food are permitted, but leashed pets are allowed on the patio. Tastings: $20 for five wines. More info: 631-734-1100, liebcellars.com.

Po’Boy Brewery (200 Wilson St., Unit E3, Port Jefferson Station): The cider menu changes often, but expect to encounter offbeat takes such as the Tandy Man Can (a cider made with tangerine, mango and orange) or Death St-our (a sour cider flavored with blackberry and lemonade). Tastings: $2.50 for each four-ounce pour, $6-$7 for tulips, pints and cans. More info: 631-828-1131, poboybrewery.com

The Riverhead Ciderhouse (2711 Sound Ave., Calverton): This cavernous cidery caters to those who love seasonal ciders flavored with raspberries, cranberries and peaches, but there are also a few traditional ciders as well as beer and wine on tap. Order and pickup curbside or try for a spot in the first-come, first served tasting room. Tastings: Cider and beer flights $12 for four two-ounce glasses. More info: 631-591-0217, riverheadcider.com

Wölffer Estate Vineyard (139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack): This winery is well-known for rosé but its cider range is growing every year, too, from a rosé cider and LoRo, a low-alcohol, low-calorie version. The terrace is a picturesque place to kick back with a glass, a flatbread and a view of the vineyard. Reservations required, and curbside pickup available from a wine stand out front. Tastings: $25 per flight; glass prices vary. More info: 631-537-5106, wolffer.com

Woodside Orchards (729 Main Rd. (Route 25), Aquebogue): 631-722-5770, woodsideorchards.com. This family-owned orchard has operated in Jamesport since 1982, and the homey Aquebogue tasting room has hard cider on tap. They come either flavored with fruit such as berries or in a more traditional style, both sweet or dry. Taste a flight or grab a glass or growler. Seating at picnic tables is first-come, first-served. Tastings: $8 for a tasting flight; $8 to $11 per glass.