Froth And Warmth Come Together In These Cocktails To Celebrate World Cider Day
When it comes to marking a special day like World Cider Day, with all pomp and elaborate mixology, there is simply too much pressure to ensure that the blends concocted for this occasion adequately highlight the core ingredient.
Think of it this way: you are a home host, planning a gathering to mark the day and want to feature cocktails with cider as the base. And then you’re wondering if cider can be used as a substitute for fizzy sparkling water or lemon-lime tonic water added to classic blends. We have all been there, in that awkward spot where we use ingredients interchangeably without really going beyond adding a dash of this drink to an already existing recipe.
But making cider-infused drinks is more than that. It involves introducing some twists here and another technique there to make a blend which puts cider at the forefront of all of its complex tasting notes. Here are some musings on this mixology imperative:
While Hosting A Cider-Themed Gathering…
When you turn host for marking World Cider Day, one of the cocktails that can be prepared to feature this drink could be a straightforward cider screwdriver. This blend swaps out the orange juice in the recipe for a fruity apple cider to bring forth a combination that works as much for a brunch gathering as for an evening time cocktail event.
The most basic question at the back of your mind would probably be: What makes the vodka and cider pairing work so well?
To put it simply, cider builds a lot of body in the cocktail, and lends it a slight tartness. Vodka brings a structural balance without overpowering the cider, leading to the creation of crisp yet robustly flavoured drinks with fruity undertones.
Pro tip: Use flavoured and fruity vodka while preparing such a drink for adding more layered flavours into the recipe.
In Warmer Climes
World Cider Day falls on 3 June, that transition period when it is neither fully warm, nor entirely monsoon-ish or chilly. Cocktails containing chilled cider and vodka would be interesting alternatives for such pleasant evenings, isn’t it? After all, the clear and crisp taste of vodka would embody different sweet and tangy flavour notes and infusing such a blend with apple cider will lend it a sparkly, sweet touch. One such cocktail to prepare would then be an apple cider mule, well-suited for informal gatherings.
Now, a frequently asked question (FAQ) would inevitably be: What kind of apple cider should be added to such a cocktail?
Well, it’s simple. Go for about 30 ml of hard apple cider which would contain a more fermented quality and a tart flavour note along with a sweet profile. This will lend the drink more complexity.
Pro tip: Add sparkling cider to this recipe to lend it even more of a fizzier touch.
A Chilly Monsoon Evening…
Cocktails that are served warm or have spices infused in them can also be created with cider just like mulled wine is. In this case, a cider-infused hot toddy would be an interesting blend of sweet-spicy flavours. This drink is sure to highlight some bitter notes coming from the mulled cider that become more pronounced with the addition of a dash of honey.
Yet, one burning question persists while crafting this mulled cocktail: Can cider be mulled in advance while preparing the cocktail for a home hosting event?
You know what? Absolutely. It’s too much pressure to prepare a drink from scratch when guests are hovering at the bar. Simmer cider with spices of your choice ahead of time and keep this blend in an insulated carafe all ready to go, at the bar.
Pro tip: Serve this drink in a mug that is warmed up in the oven for a more complete warm cocktail look and feel.
On Those Uncertain Days…
On days when it is unclear whether the weather would be cloudy, warm or humid, it is time to mark World Cider Day with a mulled cider and vodka infused cocktail that can be served chilled too. This means going for the vodka cider drink which brings together apple slices, cinnamon sticks and orange peels all infused in fresh apple cider. A splash of vodka can be added to this drink just before serving for a mix of crisp, tart, sweet flavours and just a hint of spice.
But one question that is going to be at the top of the mind is: What is the best way to serve this cocktail chilled?
Actually, there are two. For a slightly tepid effect, serve this cocktail in a chilled glass which will bring its temperature down a tad. To prepare a fully chilled version, add round ice cubes to the mix which would cool the drink without diluting its flavours.
Pro tip: While serving this drink chilled, one of the best options is to prepare the mulled cider ahead of time and allow it to cool completely. With this, it is easier to adjust drink temperatures.
To Showcase Mixology Range…
And then there would be those moments which require a little bit of show and celebration to mark cider day. The apple cider vodka fizz is an interesting drink to prepare which suitably showcases the light, frothy and rather fruity flavours of a freshly made cider.
One question which needs an answer while making this cocktail is: Can sparkling apple cider be the best choice for this drink?
Well, yes. Adding sparkling apple cider ensures that it is the flavours of the cider which remain the prominent tasting note in the blend. Adding sparkling water, champagne or any other sparkling wine would bring fizz into the drink but will tone down the flavours of the apple cider the cocktail is meant to highlight.
Pro tip: Add a dash of honey or simple syrup to this drink to build a touch of sweetness which will make all of its flavours more pronounced.
Also Read: From Orchard To The Cider Mug, An Apple’s Autobiography
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
