The cider stand on a street in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard smelled so good, there was no way we couldn’t stop our bikes and get some. The stand was operated by the Behind the Bookstore Cafe, and served coffee, fresh mulled cider, and homemade donuts. Neither the cider nor the donuts were overly sweet, counting on rich flavors instead of sugar to make it enjoyable. Which they both succeeded admirably in doing. The donut was the softest thing I have ever had in my mouth besides cotton candy. It was salted, which really brought out the sweetness of it. Any more flavor would have been overwhelming.

The mulled cider almost was overwhelming, and it looked almost as awesome as it tasted. It had little bits of apple floating in it, that rose to the surface then cooled and sank like a delicious lava lamp. Its taste was so intense that I couldn’t finish my whole cup then, I had to save it for later. A million spices I couldn’t even begin to identify covered my palate, in every taste except umami.

The stand is going to be open until December, so if you’re in the area, and can handle rich flavors, go get some cider. Seriously, even if you don’t like cider or are on a no-sugar diet, do it anyway. It is fantastic.