Martinelli’s Apple Cider Mule

One of the traditions in my family is to open a bottle or two of Martinilli’s sparkling apple cider with Thanksgiving dinner. This tradition arose so that the kids could have a fun drink that could be served in a wine glass to fit in with the grown ups – and their glasses full of real wine – at Thanksgiving. We liked it then and we still like it now. The effervescent cider is a delicious beverage for people of every age.

That being said, I do like to do things a little differently around the holidays and this year I’m doing that by making my cider even more festive by incorporating it into a cocktail: the Martinelli’s Apple Cider Mule. This drink is a riff on a Moscow Mule, an incredibly popular cocktail that is made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer. To make that basic drink a little more fall-friendly, I substituted the vodka for bourbon and used a combination of ginger beer and sparkling cider. Grating a little bit of fresh cinnamon on top gives in a wonderful fall aroma before serving – and will make you look like a cocktail pro, too.

The drink is refreshing, with a nice blend of cinnamon and ginger. It’s not overly sweet, so I recommend serving it along with champagne as a nice way to start off the Thanksgiving afternoon festivities and appetizers. I garnished mine with a few thinly cut apple slices, but a lime wedge will work, too.

How make a non-alcoholic version of this drink: Fortunately, this drink translates easily to a nonalcoholic version by simply omitting the bourbon. Kids may want their drink a little bit sweeter than the adults do and, if that is the case, add in up to 1/2 oz of maple syrup to the drink before adding the spicy ginger beer and the cider. Ginger beer, despite the name, is non-alcoholic, so it is suitable for party guests of all ages.

Martinelli’s Apple Cider Mule
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz lime juice
3 oz ginger beer
3-4 oz Martinelli’s Apple Cider
cinnamon, for garnish
thin apple slices, for garnish

In a large glass (or copper mug) combine bourbon and lime juice. Add ice to the top of the glass. Add in ginger beer and sparkling apple cider and stir briefly to combine and chill. Using a microplane, grate a bit of cinnamon on top and garnish with a few thin apple slices on a cocktail pick or toothpick.

Serves 1.

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