Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Apple Cidercar

Cheers!  We've made it to Wednesday  How about a little cocktail to celebrate?

Lots of people love sidecars for the boozy, slightly sweet punch they pack.  I love apple cider.  Thankfully, this drink combines the two into a perfectly balanced beverage.  Sweet apple cider, tangy lemon juice, and the warmth of brandy--what's not to love?  

I think this would actually be a perfect cocktail to welcome guests over for a fall party or even Thanksgiving dinner.  To me, it's a great "one drink" beverage just right for sipping and socializing.  These apple cidercars are also great from a hostess perspective because you can make up the entire pitcher and store, tightly covered, for a few hours.  This means the entire pitcher can be made the morning of your gathering and put out just as guests arrive.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, Bon Appetit always has a truly gorgeous Thanksgiving edition.  Don't forget to enter for a chance to win not just the Thanksgiving issue, but an entire year's worth of delicious magazines by leaving a comment here and on every post Monday through Thursday.

apple cidercar
 Apple Cidercar
adapted from Williams-Sonoma

Ingredients:
12 fl. oz. fresh-pressed apple cider 
5 fl. oz. brandy
5 fl. oz. Cointreau or triple sec
2 fl. oz. fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1.  Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.  Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into sugar-rimmed cocktail glasses.  (I'd actually like to try this with a mixture of vanilla sugar and a touch of cinnamon.)  Serves 4.