Apple Ciderfest Cocktail

Apple Ciderfest Cocktail

I know, I now…it’s so NOT Friday but the day…no actually the entire week, got away from me. While my heart loves cooking and cocktail making and blogging about it, I still have some demands from my web business that take precedence and this was the week that was. Six words. ‘Host is going out of business.’ Oh yippee…now trying to move several sites before a ridiculous deadline so while I needed a drink…I had no time to make one! I hope I make it up for all of us with this Apple Ciderfest Cocktail. I’m all about the apple right now and this cocktail has them in spades. Apple Cider. Applejack Brandy. Hard Cider. Oh and some vodka for good measure. Of course!

While I typically would turn to a darker liquor to mix with an apple concoction, the vodka in this was fantastic. It gave it an edge but kept it lighter which was perfect as I wanted to differentiate it from other favorites I’ve concocted; most notably this Bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktail. If you’re like me and not really into cocktails with eyeballs floating in them for Halloween; this is another great seasonal drink that would be welcome for any Fall bash.

I’m fortunate to be offered a wide variety of cocktail products to try but until recently had never heard from the folks at Ketel One. Which was sad because it’s always been my favorite mixer (I’m not the straight up type; never will be). It is a smooth no frills vodka with a price tag that belies the quality I’ve found. It is simply one of the cleanest vodkas I’ve tried and while some think it a shame to mix it into a cocktail; for me it’s perfect. I want a good product, not a cheap one that would ruin my concoctions without breaking the bank in the process.

The Ketel One company thrives on the legacy of the Nolet family of Dutch distillers, which are now in the 10th generation, and this family legacy is unusual in the big names of vodka. Their two flavored vodkas (Citroen and Oranje) are also favorites as they’ve taken a light hand with the flavor. I like a good flavored vodka with flavors that have always worked in vodka. I don’t like ones that hit you over the head with some awful sugary sweet mix. Yes, I’m thinking Cake Vodka. Gets a big EWWW from me!

If you have either of the flavors on hand, I think they would work equally well with this lineup; I would have loved to try it with orange but I was all out. Sad face. What I will try it with? This Pumpkin Spice Popcorn I posted earlier this week. Perfect with an apple based cocktail.

By the way, I have a good friend who often comes over when I’m in the cocktail making mode. She commented yesterday that she has had more cocktails that she would have never thought of trying before and has surprised herself even with how much she loves them. In particular some favorites I’ve shared with her that include bourbon. I think I know the secret behind her change of heart. Taking a light hand with the booze! I try to make a good cocktail, not one to leave you staggering out the door after two of them. That means finding a good ratio for the alcohol and the other ingredients. Don’t make the mistake I think too many bars do and throw an extra measure in thinking it will turn your patrons friends into undying fans. This cocktail is a great example. I first tried it with just the vodka, Applejack and hard cider and it wasn’t until I included some fresh apple cider that it really came together they way I had envisioned. Sometimes less really is more. Cheers!

Apple Ciderfest Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup apple brandy
• 1 cup apple cider
• 12 ounces hard cider, chilled
• Apple slices for garnish

Preparation

Mix the vodka, apple brandy and apple cider together in a small pitcher and chill for 1 hour.

Pour over ice or an ice ball and fill the glass 2/3 full.

Top off with the hard cider and stir.

Garnish with apple slices.

Notes

I made this in a pitcher for a crowd. If you need a smaller amount, simply measure 1 part each of the vodka, apple brandy and apple cider with 1.5 parts hard cider.

2.6

http://www.creative-culinary.com/apple-ciderfest-cocktail/

This recipe brought to you by Creative Culinary | A Food and Cocktail Blog | Website: www.creative-culinary.com

This post was sponsored by Ketel One Vodka however all commentary is my own.