november 21, 2022
Holiday entertaining season begins this week. Here’s a refreshing beverage to accompany your homemade appetizers. This Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail hits all the right notes and goes with everything.
Most of us associate pumpkin spice drinks with the holiday season. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and rum. In contrast, my dream cocktail is of the apple-cranberry-maple variety. There’s a subtle hint of pure apple cider vinegar for a shrub-like libation.
Laird’s apple brandy is made by one of America’s first distillers. It’s less sweet than applejack and boasts a rich, smoky flavor and golden hue. This is one brandy you’d be happy to sip. Although based in New Jersey, all of Laird’s beverages are distilled in Virginia with local apples.
Organic cranberry juice cocktail is crafted with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Its flavor is clean and not cloyingly sweet. This beverage keeps in your fridge for weeks, always at the ready for a quick drink. I use maple syrup here, but agave syrup or honey make nice substitutes.
aim for organic cranberry juice cocktail, lightly sweetened with real sugar
That little teaspoon of pure apple cider vinegar is my favorite component of this cocktail. Keeps it honest and bright with tart undertones.
Cranberries are abundant at markets, so time to make Spiced Cranberry Vodka. That welcome holiday staple takes steeping time to develop flavor. Meanwhile, my guests can enjoy this quick and easy Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail to kick off this year’s holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail
recipe by Michele Humlan, The Good Eats Company
makes one cocktail and ingredients may be altered for larger batch
ingredients
2 ounces pure apple brandy- I like Laird’s
2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail, preferably organic
½ tablespoon maple syrup
one teaspoon pure apple cider vinegar
optional garnishes : cranberries, apple slices
directions
- If possible, have all ingredients well chilled.
- Combine all in shaker and pour over ice.
- Garnish as desired.
