We recently celebrated World Cider Day by sharing a special cocktail, created just for the occasion, which incorporated several Vermont-made ingredients (including our Revolution Rye). Cider is a drink made from crushed fruit, typically apples. Vermont is well known for our apples, and our state is home to many cider companies, offering both alcoholic (hard cider) and non-alcoholic options. 

In our latest cocktail recipe called the Rye Cider Spritz, we incorporate both cider options into one delicious summertime sipper. Last year, we shared another cider cocktail recipe that was even featured in Forbes! Below, we share both of these recipes, along with a couple other Mad River Distillers favorites, which you should add into your cocktail rotation this season.

RYE CIDER SPRITZ
This spritz incorporates several Vermont-made ingredients, but if you are located outside of Vermont, you can substitute Linchpin with Aperol, and use any cider or orange bitters that are accessible in your location.

Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
- 1 oz. of Revolution Rye
- 1/2 oz. of Linchpin Apertivo (or Aperol)
- 3 oz. of Cider (we used Champlain Orchards Fresh Apple Cider)
- 1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
- 2 drops of Orange Bitters (we used Runamok)
- Hard Cider to top (we used Shacksbury Cider Classic Dry Cider)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except for the hard cider, in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a Collins or highball glass. Top with hard cider. Garnish with 2-3 apple slices.

TAP & PRESS
This cider cocktail, created by Chris O’Neill of Deuxave in Boston, was featured in Forbes. It is the tasty love-child of our Maple Cask Rum combined with Citizen Cider's Dirty Mayor (a Ginger Cider), Amaro and fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-1 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
- 1/2 oz. of Amaro
- 1/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz. of Citizen Cider Dirty Mayor

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except for the cider in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Top with cider. Garnish with a lemon wheel and candied ginger.

CIDER PUNCH
This is one of those great cider recipes that will take you right through the fall season. It also works well as a single cocktail, or as a party punch if you’re hosting a gathering.

Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
- 1.5 oz. Maple Cask Rum
- 2 oz. Champlain Orchards Fresh Apple Cider
- 1/4 oz. maple syrup
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. orange juice
- 5 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Stowe Cider Dry & High (hard cider to top)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except the hard cider, in a shaker with ice. Strain into a Collins glass, then top the glass with hard cider. (If you can’t find Stowe Cider Dry & High, another hard dry cider will work). Add an orange and lemon wedge for garnish.

HARD PRESSED
If you prefer your cocktails in a martini glass, then this one's for you! Shake up some apple cider along with our Maple Cask Rum and Angostura Bitters for a simple but very tasty sipper.

Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
- 2 oz. of Maple Cask Rum
- 1 oz. of Apple Cider
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Cinnamon Stick

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine ice, Maple Cask Rum, Angostura bitters and apple cider. Shake until frosty, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange peel.

As you can see, it doesn’t need to be apple season to enjoy a delicious cider cocktail recipe. All of these refreshing cider recipes will be sure to cool you down during the hot seasons. To find a bottle of our Revolution Rye or Maple Cask Rum, stop into one of our Tasting Rooms. You can also find a bottle near you by visiting our website. As always, if you need any other cocktail supplies such as bitters, or even maple syrup, check out our retail section at the Burlington Tasting Room. Cheers!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on June 6, 2023.