In the midst of 3,000 apple trees, located on the oldest farm in the Puyallup Valley, there’s a cider party every weekend—and you’re invited! Richard and John Cockrell, brothers and Puyallup locals for 60 years, founded Cockrell Ciders after being obsessed with finding the perfect cider apple. These days, they’re growing bittersweet and American Heirloom apples for their roster of more than 10 ciders. 

If the sun’s out, grab your glass and head out to the Cockrell orchard where you’ll find plenty of seating, lawn games, and live music on Thursday evenings. Even dinner at the cidery is a novelty; food is provided by a rotating lineup of Puyallup-area food trucks, so you’ll never get bored. Recent guests have included Sirius Wood Fired Pizza, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, and Lopez Cochinita Lab Tacos.
 
Cockrell Ciders lineup
 
These aren’t your average ciders, either. In a nod to Puyallup Valley's rich berry heritage, their seasonal raspberry, blackberry, and strawberry rhubarb ciders have become fan favorites, but you’ll also find a selection of more austere and complex ciders. “We have access to quality cider apples, not just apple juice, to make more in-depth, fuller bodied cider,” explains Rich Cockrell. He recommends trying the British Reserve, a complex and bittersweet cider unlike anything casual cider drinkers have ever tasted. You can try them all at The Roost, Cockrell’s tasting room, open every Thursday through Saturday. 
 
Best wait for a date night to come to Cockrell, as the orchard and tasting room are 21 and over only. “It’s a nice place, more of an adult playground than it is a kid’s playground,” laughs Rich. Leave your pets at home, too—with chickens, ducks, goats, and pigs on the farm, there’s a strict ADA-only pet policy. 
 
The cider just hits different when you’re drinking it under the trees the apples were grown on! But don’t take our word for it—come drink the fruits of the Cockrell brothers’ labor (pun included) and try a cider you’ve never had before. 
 
Pro tip: the bold should try the Devil’n Cider, a habanero-fueled cider with a hint of raspberry. 
 
The details:
The tasting room is open Thursday 4-7 p.m., Friday 4-8 p.m., and Saturday 1-6 p.m.
 
Address:
6613 114th Ave Ct E
Puyallup, WA 98372