Celebrating Cider

Sometimes it takes a cold snap to keep me in the house all day. The result is finished laundry and lots of experimenting in the kitchen. Healthy meals are the focus… but of course, cocktails come into play.

While I'm not big on anything sweet.. I'm entertaining a bit over the next couple of weeks and need variety. After having such success with turning cranberries into amazing margaritas for a guest post, I elected to create something just as intoxicating with apples. The end result is a cocktail that's truly addictive. It can be served warm in ceramic mugs by the fire.. or (my version of choice for parties) over ice. It's fall/holiday/fun in a glass. Definitely warms the spirit either way!

CIDER COCKTAIL

1 cup apple cider*
1/4 cup apricot brandy
1/4 cup brandy
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 Tbsp. pure/organic maple syrup
Thin apple and/or lemon slices/rings for garnish

Fill a shaker and 2 highball glasses 2/3 full of ice. Pour ingredients into shaker, cover and really give it a mix. Strain into glasses. Garnish with apple and lemon slices. On apple slices, be sure to rub with a bit  of lemon to avoid browning. Serve and enjoy. For hot-- mix all well in shaker (eliminating ice) and heat in a saucepan on low for a few minutes. Garnish with thin apple rings sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon and salt. This makes 4 servings, so reserves/seconds are no problem (double/triple the recipe for a group or use this for 4 singles).
* don't buy cider. Make your own with organic apple juice and mulling spices; much better!

Check out the selection of mulling spices at Williams Sonoma. 

What's your top cocktail for holiday entertaining? I would love to try. If you want more ideas, check out my entire collection of recipes here. Keep following for more libation inspiration just ahead.