Mike's Mix: Cider Cocktails
Every Saturday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he mixes things up and brings you a few cider cocktails that will be served at the Minnesota Monthly Fine Spirits Classic.
Lemon Tree
In a pilsner glass, combine equal parts:
- Crispin Original
- Leinie's Summer Shandy
Sweet Tart
In a pilsner glass, combine equal parts:
- Crispin Original
- Leinie's Grapefruit Shandy
Crispin Blackberry Pear Mojito
6 oz. Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
12 Ripe Blackberries
10 large mint leaves
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
6 to 8 ice cubes
1 pear, thinly sliced
Muddle Blackberries, mint leaves, sugar and lime juice in a tall glass. Add 6 ounces of Crispin Blackberry Pear cider and ice. Stir well, garnish with a thinly sliced pear wedge.
Taste Test
If you can pour liquid into a glass you can make the first two cocktails. Mixing cider, beer (and, if you want, liquor) in differing proportions is an easy and fun way to make a unique drink; you don't always need to get complicated.
I liken the taste of the Lemon Tree to that of a lemon drop, just drier and more effervescent. The Sweet Tart is aptly named, and tastes like one of my favorite childhood candies.
The Blackberry Pear Mojito is a light (both in taste and alcohol content) and refreshing drink that reminded me a lot of sangria. Sweet, but not too sweet, thanks to the dryness and fizz of the cider.
For More
These cocktails, and more, will be a part of the Minnesota Monthly Fine Spirits Classic, taking place Thursday July 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Minneapolis Event Centers. Tickets are $45 in advance, but you can get a $5 discount off each ticket by using the promo code 'WCCO' online
