'Tis the season to drink and be merry! After all that shopping, I'd say we definitely deserve one, maybe a few Apple Cider Thyme Cocktails. Cheers!
I fancy myself a bit of a mixologist. Odd, as I am not much of a drinker, but I love experimenting with the various spirits, liqueurs and the like. Plus, I get to shake, shake, shake and be in control of my guests' alcohol consumption - cause I'm controlling like that. 😉
Each year for the holidays, the Dude's work doles out LCBO gift cards as part of their employee gift packages and I am always shocked at the value. It's like they are being encouraged to become drunks! We usually end up re-gifting most of them and even with a little entertaining here and there, we never use the full amount. I am always laughed at, as we keep a fully stocked bar, but the Dude does not drink and I usually can't get past one. Pathetic...I know.
It wasn't until I moved here from the good 'ol South that apples became a thing for me. I grew up on an abundance of fresh fruits, some picked straight from our backyard - we practically lived on fruits as kids. Although, I would have an apple from time to time, they weren't regularly on my radar as a child, or teen. Now, when fall blows in, my tastebuds immediately crave crisp, juicy apples and the ever so sweet/tart/tangy apple cider they produce.
I sometimes like to flavour my cider with cinnamon sticks and I've tried rosemary after seeing it in a magazine a while back. We still had a lot of thyme on hand from our garden when the season changed, so some made their way into this cocktail, along with a bit of freshly squeezed OJ, brandy and bitters. YUMMMMM! This Apple Cider Thyme Cocktail is perfect for holiday entertaining and is also superb when served warm, accompanied by a fireplace, blanket and great book. Simply omit the brandy and Angostura Bitters and the juniors may partake.
Now let's PAR-TAY!
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More Holiday Cheer:
Watermelon Coconut Cucumber Chillers
Ingredients
- 473 ml of fresh apple cider 2 cups
- 118 ml brandy ½ cup
- 59 ml freshly squeezed orange juice ¼ cup
- dash of Anguostura bitters
- fresh Thyme sprigs
- ice
Instructions
- If not already warm, gently heat the apple cider in a saucepan along with the sprigs of thyme. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- Add ice, apple cider, brandy, orange juice and bitters to a shaker and shake well.
- Strain into glasses.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve.
Notes
Paula says
This looks and sounds like a great holiday cocktail and I love that it is good served both cold and warm!
I Sugar Coat It! says
So very good warm!
Goreti says
Yum and it so happens that I have apple cider on hand. Thanks for sharing.
I Sugar Coat It! says
Love the stuff!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
I love the sound of this cocktail! Such a pretty color and the thyme sounds amazing with the apple cider!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Unexpectedly great together!
Julie G. says
The thought of mixing thyme and cider together...I would never thought! Thanks for sharing, this looks so delicious!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Also great with rosemary!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
OH. YUM!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Indeed!
Regina @ Leelalicious says
This looks and sounds absolutely delicious! I love apple cider and I am always one for spiked up things (and I dont even mean the alcoholic spike 😉 )
Jacqueline says
LOL! Alcohol spiked anything this time of year helps my sanity. 😉