This post is sponsored by H-E-B. As always, the thoughts, opinions, and recipe taste testing are completely our own. Check out all of the November Primo Picks – including the Spiced Orange Apple Cider we’re featuring below.
It’s finally cooling off! HURRAH! (And if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere that is already cold, please don’t rub it in!) Cooler weather brings with it a signature color palette, special holidays, and tastes that only feel right when there is a bite in the air. Fall simply calls for apples, cranberries and herby smells.
Spiced Orange Apple Cider from H-E-B is lovely by itself. Citrusy, not too sweet and with all the spices you’d hope for. But let me be honest, fall and the holidays are prime entertaining season and it’s amazing as the base for a cocktail. As nod to the great turkey himself, all the flavors of the season and the base of the drink, we christened it a “Spiced Gobbler” – but you call it whatever you want!
Included in the November Primo Picks, the Spiced Orange Apple Cider was just as tasty cold as it was warmed – which makes it a versatile treat and perfect in case it’s 85* on Thanksgiving and warm cider just isn’t working. The recipe that follows is easy to assemble and adaptable – it’s as good with the bourbon as it is without making it easy for kiddos or non-indulgers to share the flavors, too.
Spiced Gobbler
makes 1 serving
YOU’LL NEED:
1 cup H-E-B Spiced Orange Apple Cider
1/4 cup Central Market Organic Cranberry Juice (100% Cranberry)
1/4 cup bourbon (I used Bulleit Bourbon)
1 Orange Peel Twist
1 sprig Rosemary
Cranberries for garnish if desired
HOW TO:
- For a cold version, chill the cider and juice ahead of time
- Combine the Spiced Orange Apple Cider, Cranberry juice, and bourbon.
- Run your fingers over the rosemary leaves to gently release the rosemary oils. Stir the drink with the rosemary spring, leaving it in as garnish.
- Twist the fresh orange peel over the glass and include as a garnish.
Variations:
- Make ahead in a pitcher or large drink dispenser and chill for self serve cocktails. Leave the bourbon to be added in as wanted if your crowd includes those who prefer a mocktail or kids. Garnish the drink dispenser with slices of apple and oranges.
- A ratio of 4 parts cider to 1 part each cranberry juice and bourbon seems to be the crowd pleaser – but adjust to taste.
- To make the drink “lighter”, reduce the amount of cider and cran and top it off with a splash of sparking water – bubbly and refreshing!
TIP:
Vigorously rub the rosemary between your hands to release the oils
and place it in the pitcher or dispenser prior to adding liquid.
TIP:
To keep the drink cool in a pitcher or drink dispenser without diluting it, freeze some of the Spiced Orange Apple Cider with
a splash of cranberry and a sprig of rosemary in large cocktail ice molds. As the “ice” melts, it won’t dilute the drink!
If it’s cool enough outside for a warm version, simply warm the cider and juice on the stove with some apple slices, orange slices. How pretty would it be in a copper pot? #kitchengoals
Add the bourbon and rosemary as it’s ladled into a heat proof glass or cup.
A crowd pleaser (we taste tested with some discerning cocktail and mocktail drinkers) that isn’t too sweet, not too heavy, and seasonally perfect, the Spiced Gobbler is as easy as could be and tastes like you picked up the recipe at a craft cocktail bar. By starting with good ingredients and great flavors we create a cocktail that will quickly become part of your family’s Thanksgiving tradition.
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