When you think of a cider cocktail, you probably jump to steamy autumn concoctions, but it’s actually perfect for adding gorgeous fruity depth to summer refreshers too! Bourbon, gin, wine... whatever your poison, check out how they marry cider for a moreish mix below!
Apple Cider Bourbon – for the bourbon lovers
A spin on the classic whisky sour, the caramel, vanilla, and spice notes from the bourbon meld with the hearty cider for an apple pie-esque delight. If your bourbon has a touch of sweetness to it, then the tartness of the lemon and cider will offset perfectly but add a little syrup if necessary. Bringing it all together is the egg white for that silky froth and after a sprinkle of cinnamon, voila!
Ingredients
35ml bourbon
80ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
1 egg white
10ml syrup (optional)
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Method
Shake up bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider, egg white and syrup if you prefer for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake it all over again until it feels chilled. Strain into a serving glass, dust with cinnamon and enjoy.
Cider 75 – for the gin lovers
Taking over effervescent duties from the champagne of the French 75 here is the cider, so make sure you get a bubbly one. Less floral and lighter than the original, this is a fruiter, zipper mix with punchy flavour. A good juniper-forward gin will match the lemon and apple flavours really nicely, or go fruit mad with a berried gin.
Ingredients
50ml gin
20ml lemon juice
80ml apple cider (bubbly)
Method
Ridiculously easy. Shake everything except the cider with a load of ice and fine strain, before topping up with the fizzing cider and gently stirring.
Cider Spritz – for the sparkling wine lovers
This is a hearty twist on the summer classic, with Aperol’s herbal orange pairing up with a cider of your pairing – though we recommend trying Thatchers Blood Orange. Alongside your sparking wine, this will be sweeter than the original, with two loads of bubbles for complete refreshment. Orange notes, floral notes with a touch of bitterness – this is a summertime winner.
Ingredients
70ml cider (try Thatchers Blood Orange)
70ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or Caava)
20ml Aperol
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)
Method
All you have to do is combine and stir everything here (gently, don’t kill those bubbles!)
Cider Sangria – for the white wine lovers
This is a lighter, crisper, and less rich sangria compared to the usual mix. With earthy warmth, ginger beer and cider always go well together, and a nice dry acidic white (Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect) cuts through deliciously. A couple of different apples adds layers, lemon and orange brings fresh citrus and every sip is super comforting.
Ingredients (for a jug)
2 different types of diced apple
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced orange
250ml apple cider
250ml ginger beer
1 bottle of white wine
Method
The great thing about sangria is that it’s just combining everything into a big pitcher, so add everything in, give it a good stir and if you like, let it refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Top Tip: Roll the diced fruits in cinnamon sugar and leave overnight before adding!
Cider Margarita – for the tequila lovers
Most apple ciders have an earthiness to them that really sings with the earthy fresh agave of a blanco tequila. With lime and triple sec in the mix, this is one tangy Margarita, but with enough cider sweetness to balance the levels, and heaps of freshness.
Ingredients
30ml apple cider
50ml tequila (ideally Blanco)
20ml lime juice
20ml Triple Sec
Sugar, salt and cinnamon (for rim)
Method
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, and roll it in the sugar, salt, and cinnamon mix. Shake all of your ingredients with ice and strain over the prepared glass and fresh ice. Vamos!
Orchard Martini – for the vodka lovers
Vodka is probably the most pairable spirit and it provides a great backbone to this cider cocktail that combines apple cider with Triple Sec and lemon juice for sweet tartness and intense fruity flavour. If you find that there’s not enough sweetness from your cider and/or vodka, then a little orange juice works a treat to sweeten the deal.
Ingredients
40ml vodka
25ml Triple Sec
60ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
15ml orange juice (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon
Method
Super simple, just shake the lot with ice until it feels cold to the touch. You can add the cinnamon in at this stage, or sprinkle over at the end, it’s up to you but it does add a warm touch that works nicely.
Well, if you’ve eyed up one of these stunning cocktails, you’re gonna need the star of the show, so check out our Best British Ciders here!