Golden Ember

Apple Cider Cocktail & Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon Sugar & Salt Rim Mix:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar for more warmth)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt (use ½ tsp for smokier balance)

• 2 oz mezcal (or tequila for a lighter profile)

• 3 oz apple cider

• ½ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

• ½ oz maple syrup, honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water), or agave (choose your preferred sweetness)

• ½ oz fresh lime juice (optional, for brightness)

• 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)

• Ice

• Apple slice, cinnamon stick, or rosemary for garnish

Rim Instructions:

1. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt on a small plate.

2. Run a lime wedge or apple slice around the rim of your glass.

3. Dip the rim into the mixture and twist gently to coat.

4. Let it dry for a few seconds before pouring your drink in.

Drink Instructions:

1. Fill the rimmed glass with ice.

2. Add mezcal, apple cider, orange liqueur, syrup, and lime juice (if using) to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake well until chilled.

4. Strain into the prepared glass.

5. Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick, or sprig of rosemary.

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon Sugar & Salt Rim Mix:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar for more warmth)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt (optional — skip for sweeter rim)

• 4 oz apple cider

• ½ oz fresh orange juice (adds a bright citrus note)

• ½ oz maple syrup, honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water), or agave syrup

• ½ oz fresh lime juice (optional)

• 2 oz sparkling water, ginger ale or ginger beer (to top)

• Ice

• Apple slice, cinnamon stick, or rosemary for garnish

Rim Instructions:

1. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt on a small plate.

2. Run an apple slice or lime wedge around the rim of your glass.

3. Dip the rim into the mixture and twist gently to coat.

4. Let it dry for a few seconds before pouring your drink in.

Drink Instructions:

1. Fill the rimmed glass with ice.

2. Add apple cider, orange juice, syrup, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.

3. Shake lightly until chilled.

4. Strain into the prepared glass.

5. Top with sparkling water, ginger ale or ginger beer.

6. Garnish with an apple slice, cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary.