Recently, I’ve been looking for more places to go and things to do with friends and family. As the weather has gotten nicer, Beach Bee Meadery made it on my list of stops.

For those 21+, I highly recommend Beach Bee Meadery in Long Branch, NJ. This spot was recommended to me by my friend Amanda, and I’m so happy I went. Although listed as a meadery, Beach Bee also offers hard cider.

Before this, my only experience with mead was at the Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park, NY, and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited to try some additional flavors.

Reasonably priced, with a clean inside and cozy outside, I was pleasantly surprised by the tasting room. One of my favorite things about the location is that you can clearly see the tanks and production area. It’s a nice reminder of the onsite homemade quality of the products.

My friends and I sat in the beautifully lit outdoor area chatting and drinking alongside a variety of groups and their dogs. We even considered going inside to play with an older local gentleman looking for some chess partners. He had a compelling set up, donned with a sign saying, “Please help a chess addict with his addiction. Play me.”

With a variety of flavors to choose from, mead and cider, I couldn’t resist ordering a flight. With the flight, you can pick any four and it only costs $15. A great way to sample multiple flavors, especially if you and your friends decide to share.

I ordered two ciders and two meads, all of which were delicious. I ordered the blueberry pomegranate cider, rosé cider, pirate daze mead, and chai latte mead. I will say, however, that my favorite drink was one my boyfriend ordered, so I was happy we decided to share. That flavor was their newer earl grey lemon cider, it was really refreshing and very smooth, but the blueberry pomegranate cider was a close second.

Overall, my friends and I enjoyed our experience and everything we tasted that evening. If you’re looking for something to do or a new place to try, you should add Beach Bee to your list.