I like simple, elegant cocktails. I don’t typically want my drinks to have lots of frills but I still want to feel a little fancy when I’m holding it in my hand. That’s why I love taking classic cocktails and dressing them up a bit. This particular cocktail was inspired by a French 75, but I swapped some things out. Instead of champagne or Prosecco, I used a dry hard cider for festive bubbles. Instead of gin, I used bourbon. Instead of lemon juice, a teeny teaspoon of my homemade cranberry sauce (could also use cranberry juice). A little orange zest ribbon and a couple floating cranberries later, the Bourbon Cider Fizz was born! Perfect for Thanksgiving or basically anything worth celebrating in 2020. I mean it. We need all the reasons to celebrate right now, am I right?
Bourbon Cider Fizz
Makes 2 cocktails
One 12 oz can or bottle of dry hard cider, chilled
2 oz bourbon
2 teaspoons homemade cranberry sauce* OR a splash or two of unsweetened cranberry juice
2 teaspoons spiced simple syrup (recipe here)
fresh cranberries and orange zest for garnish
In two low ball glasses or champagne flutes, combine the bourbon with the cranberry sauce and simple syrup. Stir until combined. Slowly pour the hard cider into the glass. Stir once or twice to combine. Add garnishes. Sip and enjoy!