Brisk mornings and autumn leaves. It’s time for warmer sips, and one of my favorite ciders to experiment with are the still ciders. South Hill Cider’s Goldwin is an exceptional choice, with bright flavors of lemon peel and white wine from Golden Russet and Baldwin heirloom apple varieties. When paired with cardamom-forward chai tea spices, it embraces the light citrus notes of this cider, offering a simple yet beautiful alternative to the traditional warm spices of this busy season.
Goldwin Chaider Cocktail
Chai tea mix is easy to make at home and way more flavorful. Add more of the spices you love for your own spin on this heavenly brew.
MAKES | 1 serving
INGREDIENTS FOR COCKTAIL
1 cup Hot Chai Spiced Cider (recipe follows)
1 ounce cognac VSOP
½ ounce honey
½ ounce Domaine De Canton ginger liqueur
GARNISH
Orange peel and star anise
Hot Chai Spiced Cider Recipe
MAKES |3-4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 750ml bottle South Hill Cider Goldwin
8 green cardamom pods, lightly cracked
1 tablespoon fennel seed
2 star anise pods
3-5 strips of Ceylon cinnamon bark
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
5-7 whole cloves
4 tablespoons of Darjeeling tea
Add all the dry spices and loose tea to a large tea filter for easy removal later. In a medium saucepan, combine the entire bottle of cider with the tea and spices and bring to a boil. Remove from heat immediately and let steep for 3 minutes.
While the cider is steeping with spices, add the remaining cocktail ingredients to a small teacup or coffee mug. Remove the tea filter from the hot cider, then add one cup to your teacup. Top with orange peel, being sure to release the oils over the drink, along with one star anise pod. Serve immediately.
This recipe was originally published in Cidercraft Magazine, Volume 18. To read the full issue click here.
