Fall is such a fun season to experiment with exciting flavors not just in baking or cooking but also in drink recipes! With an abundance of apple cider on hand at this time of year, I thought it would be fun to make an apple cider inspired cocktail. In this recipe I do use crushed red pepper flakes to add a little heat but if you’re not a spice lover you can leave it out, or substitute with some cinnamon on the rim instead. I also used a salt rim for this version but you can substitute with a sugar rim for your cocktail if you prefer!
YOU WILL NEED:
Cocktail Shaker and Strainer (If you don’t have either, you can just combine in the glass and stir with a spoon)
Small glass
INGREDIENTS:
2 ounces tequila ( I use Jose Cuervo)
1 3/4 ounces apple cider
3/4 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed is best but you can use pre-made juice)
1 ounce maple syrup (You can use 3/4 ounce if you prefer it to be less sweet)
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, divided
cocktail salt or sugar for the rim
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.) On a small plate, combine the cocktail salt, or sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper. Wet the edge of your glass and roll in the mixture until the entire edge of the glass is coated. Then, fill the glass 3/4 of the way with ice.
2.) In the cocktail shaker with ice, combine the remaining ingredients and give it a good shake. Using the strainer, pour into the prepared glass.
3.) For a final garnish you can add a wedge of lime to the side of the glass. Enjoy on a cozy fall evening!
