January 7, 2011

What I Wish I was Drinking: Tieton Cider Cocktails

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to be able to play around with making drinks that feature Washington State cider-maker Tieton’s ciders. Operating out of the Yakima, WA area, Tieton ciders utilize all-natural ingredients, are made with care, and are starting to be more and more widely available. The ingredients and care are evident when drinking them, too, as they boast clear, crisp taste (which is what you want in your ciders—stay away from those overly sugary messes). At first, I was a little unsure about what I’d mix up with them, but after taking a few sips my unsure-ness re-routed straight into excitement. The following are my two favorite Tieton mixes. So, head down to your store and pick up some Tieton cider (or head down to complain that they don’t yet have them) and then cocktail up.

 

Harmony in C

 

Ice cubes

1-1/2 ounces dark rum

3/4 ounces Grand Marnier

1 dash Peychauds bitters

2 ounces chilled Tieton Wild Washington apple cider

Apple slice, for garnish

 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Add the rum, Grand Marnier, and bitters. Shake well.

 

2. Strain into a cocktail glass. Top with the Tieton Blend apple cider. Stir briefly and carefully. Garnish with the apple slice.

 

Tieton Highball

 

Ice cubes

1 ounce applejack or apple brandy

3/4 ounce Benedictine

2 dashes Fee Brother peach bitters

Chilled Tieton Blend apple cider

Mint sprig, for garnish (optional)

Apple slice, for garnish (optional)

 

1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass three quarters full with ice cubes. Add the applejack, Benedictine, and bitters. Stir briefly.

 

2. Fill the glass almost to the rim with Tieton Blend apple cider. Stir again, briefly. Garnish with a mint sprig and an apple slice, if desired.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rathbun on Film