Festive Fall Sparkler: The Perfect Apple Cider Cocktail
You know it’s Fall when you see your first bottle of apple cider on the shelf or at your local farmer’s market! Alongside the cider, you’ll find wonderful bushels of apples, either shipped in from Michigan or freshly picked at your local orchard.
Fall is such a magical time, filled with the bounty of seasonal produce, leaves changing colors, and that irresistible urge to sip on a cozy cocktail that captures the essence of autumn.
Meet the Festive Fall Sparkler
Well, hello, Festive Fall Sparkler! This delightful little cocktail will not only get you in the Fall spirit, but it also packs a little hidden kick! It reminds me of sipping on a hard cider, but it’s even more delicious because it’s homemade and has that extra touch of yumminess.
The Secret to a Perfect Fall Cocktail
I believe the key to this drink is using a good bottle of brandy. It makes the drink so smooth and gives it such a mellow, delightful taste.
Another essential tip? Sugar your rim! Now, I’m not usually a fan of sugar rims in my cocktails—mostly because they’re more about aesthetics than flavor—but in this case, it really enhances the taste.
Not only do you sugar the rim, but you also sugar your apple slice garnish. I like to use Turbinado sugar, which is a form of brown sugar that’s chunky and makes a statement both in taste and presentation. Pro tip: drop the sugared apple slice into your cocktail before you take that first sip!
Making It a Big Batch Cocktail
If you’re hosting a gathering, you can easily turn this into a big-batch cocktail. However, I recommend mixing only the brandy and apple cider in advance, then topping off each glass with champagne just before serving. This way, the champagne retains its fizz, ensuring every glass is as festive as the first.
In the recipe, I provide exact measurements, but this is one of those cocktails that even an amateur bartender can eyeball. Just pour an inch of brandy, then about an inch and a half of cider, and finally, top off the glass with champagne. It’s so easy to make and is sure to become your Fall favorite!
Preparing the Perfect Festive Fall Sparkler
1. Sugar the Rim and Apple Slice
To enhance the flavors of your cocktail, start by sugaring the rim of your Champagne glass. Dip the rim in a bit of Apple Cider, then coat it with Turbinado Sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to also sugar your apple slice garnish—it’s both pretty and delicious!
2. Mix the Cocktail
In your prepared glass, pour in 1.5 oz of Brandy, followed by 2 oz of Apple Cider. Finally, top off with 3 oz of Champagne. Mix gently to combine all the flavors without losing the Champagne’s fizz.
3. Garnish and Serve
Add your sugared apple slice to the glass—either on the rim or dropped into the cocktail. Now, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your Festive Fall Sparkler!
Enjoying the Season
I hope you take the time to savor the beautiful Fall season. Put on your favorite sweater, take a walk in the park, enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves, and then head home to relax on your porch in the crisp, cool air. Treat yourself to a Festive Fall Sparkler with someone you love—even if that someone is just you!
Cheers to the magic of Fall and the cozy moments it brings!
Festival Fall Sparkler
Ingredients
- 3 Oz Champagne Pour slowly so it doesn't bubble over the rim
- 2 Oz Apple Cider
- 1.5 Oz Brandy
Garnish
- 1 Sliced Apple Dip the Apple slice in cider then in the sugar
- 1 Tb Turbinado Brown Sugar Dip your glass in apple cider then in the sugar
Instructions
- Garnish your Champagne glass with the sugar
- Add the Brandy, Cider and Champagne and mix gently
- Garnish with a sugar coated apple slice and enjoy!
MORE FALL COCKTAILS:
Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
