Since summer is just around the corner (we hope), it’s time to dust off the patio furniture and ponder some important decisions. Number one: What will you and your friends be drinking in your backyards this season? Here’s a roadmap of sorts to the signature spirits that local distillers have to offer, and how to enjoy them at home.

Farmhouse Cider Co. is quietly helping a craft beverage revolution from the least assuming location imaginable — a generations-old family farm on a dirt road outside Hudsonville. “It’s a place unlike anywhere else,” said John Behrens. “It feels like you’re a million miles from anywhere, but you’re like 15 miles from downtown.”

All 50 states make wine these days — but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should. I mean, sorry, but can you imagine a Nebraskan Pinot Gris? Fortunately, Michigan is blessed with a climate conducive to winemaking. We decided to find out what makes Michigan wine great with the help of the folks at 45 North Vineyard and Winery, a spot known for consistent quality, beautiful facilities and happy dogs.

Hard cider and mead exist in a liquid twilight, neither beer nor wine nor liquor. Cider is light and sweet like a wine, but with the ABV and carbonation of a beer. Mead is its own beast entirely, smoother and richer than wine. So if you’re looking for something special, here’s our guide to all the fermented apples and honey you could ever want.