The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and the leaves aren’t the only things gearing up for cold weather. Fall means that soon social media will be flooded with pictures of babies in pumpkin patches and local stores will be stocking up for Halloween with Jack-o’-lanterns on every display. Pumpkin flavoring will invade everything from bagels to beer. While we enjoy a good PSL or pumpkin cocktail like anyone else, another fall fruit runs the risk of being forgotten: the apple, a fruit that can be candied, turned into butter, baked into pies, and pressed into ciders. If you’re not fortunate to live close enough to an orchard, or don’t feel like using valuable drinking time scrambling up and down ladders, there’s a way to get that fresh-from-the-orchard taste without the hard work. Here are a few cider-inspired cocktails that will give you an alternative during the pumpkin takeover.
Every one has heard of Irish Coffee, how about changing it up with this apple concoction? But, we wouldn’t recommend drinking this before your morning commute—save it for lounging by the fireplace after a long day.
Irish Cider
- 1 ½ oz Jameson (or other Irish whiskey)
- ¾ oz dark rum
- 1 ½ oz apple cider
- 1 ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 ½ oz agave nectar
- ground cinnamon
Add all ingredients in a rocks glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with ground cinnamon and enjoy.
If you’re looking for something a little sweeter and you like your cider hot—this tasty concoction will help fight the chill.
Honey Pot Cider
- 1 ¼ cup apple cider
- 1 Tbsp. orange blossom honey
- 1 pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 ¾ oz. Apple Jack brandy
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Apple slices
Combine the cider, honey, and cinnamon in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes—or until heated through. Stir in the brandy and pour the cider into a mug. Garnish with ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick if desired.
If you enjoy infused vodkas and bacon (and who doesn’t?) try this spin on hard cider.
Bacon Me Angry
- 1 oz. Bacon Infused Vodka
- Splash of maple syrup
- Dash of bitters
- 4 oz. Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
Combine the ingredients and stir over ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry and strip of bacon.