I’ve never been a big drinker, especially post-baby, but I do enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine every so often. This cocktail has been my jam this season! I made it for the first time when we had some friends over for an impromptu game night and it was a hit. It combines some of my favorite autumnal flavors–apple and ginger–in an easy-drinking libation.
The ingredients are pretty familiar, for the most part. The only semi-exotic thing being the Calvados–which is simply French apple brandy. It’s warm and caramel-y with lots of apple flavor without being a neon-green-sour-apple situation. It’s one of my favorite fall liquors to cook with (use it to deglaze a pan of pork chops!), but also makes a great addition to this fall-time cocktail. Besides the Calvados, we have warming bourbon, fresh apple cider, fizzy-spicy ginger beer, a little bitters, and a pinch of cinnamon. The combination makes for a cocktail that’s reminiscent of hot apple cider, but packs a refreshingly fizzy, tipsy punch.
[recipe]
Ginger Bourbon Cider
Makes 1 stiff drink.
Calvados can be found at any well-stocked liquor store. It’s a bit of an investment for your bar, but makes a great addition for fall cocktailing–it’d be great in a hot toddy! and like I mentioned, it’s awesome for deglazing for an excellent pan sauce. There are a few different brands, so choose the one that best fits your bar-budget. That said, this cocktail doesn’t suffer much without it, just add more bourbon!
1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce Calvados
2-3 ounces apple cider
a few shakes of orange, or classic, bitters
ginger beer
pinch of ground cinnamon
Fill a cocktail glass with ice (I like crushed, but cubes work just fine). Combine the bourbon, Calvados, apple cider, and bitters. Top the drink with ginger beer–more or less depending on how strong of a drink you’d like–stir and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.
[/recipe]
Sarah | The Sugar Hit
I’m not sure if this was your intention, but I feel like this is so Christmassy and I LOVE IT. I’m all about October Chirstmas. I wanna make this sucker last for months. This feels like an awesome way to start, continue, and then perhaps finish.
cindy
It is a little holiday-ish. And I am always excited for Christmas, I don’t even care that it’s only October!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I’m not a big drinker either, but like you, enjoy having one every once and a while! Usually on girls nights…definitely need to try this. Loving the ginger beer in there!
cindy
The ginger beer makes it!
Erin
This cocktail sounds amazing! And perfect for fall! Can I ask where you got your gold rimmed glasses?!
cindy
They are from Anthropologie!
Amy | Club Narwhal
I’m not a drinker but I can only imagine how GOOD this drink smells. And those glasses? Perfection. I never knew I needed gold rimmed cups but now I do. New life goal 🙂
cindy
Anthro!! Thanks, Amy 🙂
autumn
Love this styling, Cindy! Love your little beaker jiggers too. I also love that you made a really unique, fall-tastic cocktail with accessible ingredients!
cindy
Thanks, Autumn! The beakers are my fave…they are super cheap from Amazon.
Bubble Girl
Seriously FAB!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
I’m loving the sound of this bevvie — especially with that Calvados (which I’ve never tried before)!
cindy
It’s so good! Thanks, Stephanie!!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
One of the prettiest drinks I’ve seen! Just lovely.
cindy
Thanks, Nicole!
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com
So I’m not even a drinker (sorry!) but I can’t take my eyes off this post because of the beautiful styling and accessories. Would it be weird for me to get the cups and stirrer and use them for plain juice? No? So glad we’re in agreement. 😉
cindy
Not weird at all! I mean, you could just mix up ginger ale and juice 😉
Pat
Cider and ginger ale in a pretty cup/glass with a dash of cinnamon would make a great mocktail – thanks for a great idea!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
This sounds heavenly. I love bourbon with cider and ginger beer. The addition of Calvados takes it over the top. Can’t wait to try it!
cindy
I hope you do!
ami@naivecookcooks
This is an amazing fall drink!! Trying soon!
Tracy | Pale Yellow
I love apple cider + ginger beer + bourbon! Adding calvados sounds so fancy and tasty!
Millie l Add A Little
I love the cups Cindy – so cute! And the cider sounds amazing!
Adam
Has anyone tried this warmed up? Just wondering before I try it.
cindy
I have not, the only thing is that the ginger beer will probably go flat.
Pat
Brilliant! Many thanks.
Kristen
How did you do the cute decoration on top? With the little star punched out?
cindy
Hi Kristen, I actually just cut the apple across the middle (from from stem to bottom, but across the “equator” so to speak) and it reveals the seed pockets which make a star shape.