Apple Cider Car

I first tried apple cider reduction, or apple molasses, when my culinary instructor used it in apple cider caramels. You essentially take fresh apple cider and cook it down to about an ⅛ of its volume. The concentrated apple flavor is punchy and tart and I immediately wanted to use it in cocktails.

Enter this Apple Cider Car. The apple reduction pairs beautifully with classic Sidecar flavors of brandy, lemon, and orange liquor. Instead of traditional Cognac, I’m using apple brandy, doubling down on the apple flavor. It’s a warming, boozy, tart cocktail that’s complete with a cinnamon sugar rim.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

INGREDIENTS

Apple Cider Reduction (enough for 3-4 drinks)

  • 4 cups apple cider

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 3 whole cloves

NOTE: If you purchase Spiced Apple Cider, you can leave out the cinnamon sticks and cloves.

Apple Cider Car (serves 1)

  • Sugar & ground cinnamon (for rim of glass)

  • 2 oz apple brandy (Applejack or Calvados)

  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice

  • ¾ oz Cointreau

  • ¾ oz apple cider reduction

DIRECTIONS

Make the Apple Cider Reduction

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring to a slow boil and cook for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and reduced to about ½ a cup. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.

Shake & Serve Cocktail

  1. On a small plate, stir together a couple tablespoons of sugar with around ½ tsp ground cinnamon. Dip the rim of the glass into a thin layer of the cider reduction. Drip off any excess and dip into the sugar mix, rotating to coat.

  2. Add ice to your cocktail shaker, along with the apple brandy, lemon juice, Cointreau, and apple cider reduction. Shake very well and strain into the cinnamon sugar-lined glass.

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

  • The apple cider reduction can be used in several different ways. It’s great in other cocktails (such as a Kentucky Mule) or for baking. It’s perfect for cakes or apple cider donuts, as you're able to get a lot of apple flavor without adding much moisture. It can also be drizzled on French toast, pancakes, or ice cream.

  • The cider syrup can be made in advance and lasts up to a month in the fridge in an airtight container.

  • If you want to make a larger batch for a group ahead of time, I recommend mixing the cocktail ingredients in a large pitcher and storing in the fridge. Once ready to serve, working in batches, pour the mixture into your cocktail shaker, shake over ice, and strain.

  • Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste! This is tailored around a classic Sidecar, which is tart and slightly sweet. If you like your drinks a little sweeter, add more Cointreau.