Cocktail Recipe: Snow Capped Cider Desert Rose

by | Oct 2, 2020

The Western Slope is where it’s at for growing apples in Colorado. Technically everything west of the Continental Divide, the Western Slope encompasses roughly one-third of the state and about 70% of the state’s water, with the Colorado River and its tributaries dividing the region. A semi-arid climate with drainage from the river makes the land rich for farming, including fruit trees.

The Williams family came to agriculture in the Western Slope relatively early — five generations ago. The family orchards are located at the bottom of Grand Mesa in the Surface Creek Valley, a high-elevation, warm-day and cool-night climate optimal for apples. Using that fruit, Snow Capped Cider produces a wide variety of ciders from these estate-grown apples, run by owner Kari Williams. In addition to the ciders, Williams and team have started playing with cider cocktails for their consumers.

“We love the opportunity to create cocktails with cider, [it] adds unique and layered flavors and character to mixed drinks,” she says. “It also really increases the ABV, so be careful!”

A natural selection to feature in a cocktail, the Molly’s Rockies Rosé is a pink hued-cider of Pinova apples that gets its color from aging on Colorado Malbec grape skins. “As the aging begins, we stir the lees [skins] in the barrel, which promotes uptake of the flavor and color as the fermentation process continues,” Williams adds. “We blend elderberries pre-ferment into the historic Pinova apples for a touch of additional fruity flavor.”
 
For the cocktail, titled Desert Rose, the cider is mixed with tequila and pomegranate juice. Williams says the cider brings depth and floral notes to the drink, with tequila offering a smoky finish and pomegranate pulling out the fruity tones. She recommends pairing with seafood or fajitas for a recipe to success.

Desert Rose

Makes 1 cocktail

8 ounces Molly’s Rockies Rosé, chilled
1 ounce pomegranate juice, chilled
1 ounce tequila
Splash of seltzer water, chilled
Garnish: pomegranate seeds
 
In a tall glass, add all ingredients then stir to combine. Top of pomegranate seeds.

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Introducing the most otterly amazing collab yet!

@drinkgoldenstate is partnering with @seaottersavvy, a non-profit dedicated to protecting sea otters and promoting responsible wildlife viewing. To celebrate, they've launched exclusive co-branded cans featuring sea otter artwork, plus fun merch to match!

Here’s the best part: A portion of the proceeds directly supports Sea Otter Savvy’s mission.

Here’s what’s in your can: 
🍎 100% fresh, cold-pressed West Coast apples 
🥂 Perfectly balanced with no added sugar for a crisp, refreshing taste 
🌱 Gluten-free & vegan-friendly 
🍏 6.1% ABV 
💥 Grab a 16oz 4-pack (webstore + taproom exclusive!) and join them at the taproom, where Sea Otter Savvy will be sharing their incredible work on sea otter protection.

Head to our link in bio to learn more about this collaboration and grab a pint for a great cause.

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Hike, sip, repeat! 🥾

Looking for the perfect way to pair outdoor adventures with refreshing cider? We've rounded up the ultimate hiking trails near local cideries spanning New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Washington. 

Highlights include:
Teatown Lake trails paired with award-winning ciders from @thompsonscidermill
A bike ride along the East Bay Path with a stop for handcrafted blends at @sowamsciderworks 
Scenic views from the Coal & Coke Trail followed by a Blueberry Lemon sip from @yinzervalleyfarms 
Island Center Forest’s peaceful paths matched with @dragonsheadcider and @nashi_orchards on Vashon Island 

Discover all the trails and ciders in our full article on cidercraftmag.com.

Story by Stasia Brewczynski

#SupportLocalCideries #ThompsonsCiderMill #SowamsCiderWorks #YinzerValleyFarms #DragonsHeadCider #NashiOrchards
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🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

After years of basic apple ciders stealing the spotlight, we’re officially saying BYE FELICIA 🍎 and hello to the new IT fruit. That’s right, Cidercraft Magazine is rebranding as PINEAPPLE MAGAZINE!

Apples? Cute, but predictable. Pineapples? They’re funky, spiky, and basically scream vacation vibes. Plus, have you SEEN how chic they look on everything from print patterns to cocktail garnishes? Sorry apples, you’re just... last season. We’re all about keeping it tropical from now on. 🌴

Get ready for juicy pineapple recipes, refreshing pineapple cider cocktails, and the exclusive on pineapple-based trends (piña coladas, anyone?).

Tag your pineapple-obsessed bestie and help us spread the news! 🍍

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@ciderfeasthq Portland is kicking off the 2025 East Coast Tour this Mother’s Day, May 11th, at Oxbow Blending & Bottling in Portland, ME. With over 15 hand-picked cideries showcasing their finest pours, plus incredible food pairings from local food trucks, this festival is the ultimate treat for cider enthusiasts! 

Discover unique ciders, connect with passionate producers, and indulge in flavors from Maine and beyond. Tickets include cider tastings, a souvenir glass, and the perfect excuse to spoil mom this Mother’s Day. 
 
Want to learn more about this one-of-a-kind event? Read more at cidercraftmag.com!

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Sustainably sourced from family orchards in Somerset and Kent, Kicking Goat Cider is all about keeping it real—100% fresh-pressed British apples, no concentrate, no shortcuts.

Whether you’re into crisp dry cider or something a little sweeter like Fresh Berry, there’s a flavor for every vibe. Plus, they come in lightweight, recyclable cans, so they’re picnic and BBQ-ready.

Made by James Pearce and his family, this cider is as real as it gets—simple, delicious, and full of apple-y goodness.

Check out @kickinggoatcider or head to kickinggoatcider.co.uk to see what all the fuss is about.

🍏 #CiderGoals
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Introducing the most otterly amazing collab yet!

@drinkgoldenstate is partnering with @seaottersavvy, a non-profit dedicated to protecting sea otters and promoting responsible wildlife viewing. To celebrate, they've launched exclusive co-branded cans featuring sea otter artwork, plus fun merch to match!

Here’s the best part: A portion of the proceeds directly supports Sea Otter Savvy’s mission.

Here’s what’s in your can: 
🍎 100% fresh, cold-pressed West Coast apples 
🥂 Perfectly balanced with no added sugar for a crisp, refreshing taste 
🌱 Gluten-free & vegan-friendly 
🍏 6.1% ABV 
💥 Grab a 16oz 4-pack (webstore + taproom exclusive!) and join them at the taproom, where Sea Otter Savvy will be sharing their incredible work on sea otter protection.

Head to our link in bio to learn more about this collaboration and grab a pint for a great cause.

#GoldenStateCider #SeaOtterSavvy #CiderForACause #WildlifeConservation #DrinkCiderDoGood
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