Apple cider is a fall staple, and after visiting the McQuail family at The Meeting Place Organic Farm, I was inspired to try some new flavour combinations for cider-based cocktails that put hospitality at the centre. Katrina and her family made us feel so welcome on our visit, and I wanted to honour the warmth of their hospitality as well as the simple honesty of their approach to organic farming.
While apple and cinnamon are a classic combo, I wanted to explore some of the apple’s less obvious notes. These are some of the easiest apple cider cocktails you will ever make, leaving lots of time to visit with guests. There are non-alcoholic options, making inclusive hospitality a breeze.
Apple Cider’s Characteristics
If you sip apple cider and focus on its flavour facets, you will discover a world of flavours. Apples balance sweet and sour facets, and in fresh cider, you might discover floral notes of rose, nutty notes of almond, or hints of spice like nutmeg and anise. There are so many flavour facets to explore and expand.
Floral
Apples and roses are the flavour pairing in this one, and Dillon’s Rose Gin is the perfect, local spirit. Swap out Dillon’s for Cedar’s rose gin for a non-alcoholic option. This is delicate and bright and will pair wonderfully with slanted afternoon sun. If you love rose flavour, add a tiny splash of rosewater to punch up the floral notes.
Stir 2oz rose gin, 2oz apple cider, and 1/4 oz of fresh lemon juice in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Nutty
If you love a smear of peanut butter on a slice of apple, this one is for you! Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is made right here in Ontario, making it the perfect local pairing. It is quite sweet, so this is a fuller-bodied cocktail.
Pour 2 oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with apple cider, and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a fan of thinly sliced apples.
Spicy Apple Cider Cocktails
Apple and licorice are the unexpected pairing here, and they work wonderfully together. Make the licorice tea ahead of time, and simply mix your ingredients when you’re ready to serve. It is wonderfully light and refreshing. Because licorice is naturally sweet, there is no added sugar. I’ve been making and drinking this on repeat this week because it really lends itself to the warmer temperatures we’ve been enjoying.
Make two cups of licorice tea according to the packet directions. This will be enough for four drinks. Chill until ready to serve.
In a rocks glass filled with ice, mix equal parts of licorice tea and apple cider. Stir and garnish with a frond of fennel.
Apple Cider Cocktails – Dark and Stormy
It’s already a cocktail, and a good one! Ginger gives this one a kick, and you can skip the rum to make it non-alcoholic.
Mix 2 oz spiced rum, apple cider and and ginger beer in a tall glass or copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with a sliver of ginger.
Read Libby’s escape to Ontario’s West Coast here.
For more fall cocktails, check out these market-inspired makes.
For tips on non-alcoholic cocktails, see my interview with Sarah Kate.
Cheers to you and yours as you gather to celebrate the bounties of the seasons! Share your apple cider cocktails with us, #auburnlanedrinks
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