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Pomegranate Apple Cider Cocktail - Crisp, Festive, and Easy

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces apple cider (unfiltered, chilled)
  • 1.5 ounces pomegranate juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
  • 1.5 ounces spirit of choice (vodka, bourbon, or gin)
  • 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25–0.5 ounce simple syrup or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 2–3 ounces club soda or ginger beer (for topping)
  • Ice
  • Garnishes: pomegranate arils, thin apple slices, lemon peel, or a cinnamon stick
  • Optional spice: a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of aromatic bitters

Method
 

  1. Chill your glass. Pop a rocks or highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Cold glass, better drink.
  2. Prep your citrus. Juice a lemon and set aside 0.5 ounce. Fresh juice brightens the whole cocktail.
  3. Fill a shaker with ice. Add apple cider, pomegranate juice, your chosen spirit, lemon juice, and 0.25 ounce sweetener to start.
  4. Optional: add spice. If using, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bitters. A little goes a long way.
  5. Shake well, about 10–12 seconds. You want it icy-cold and slightly diluted for smooth sipping.
  6. Taste and adjust. If it’s too tart, add another splash of syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a few drops more lemon.
  7. Strain into your glass over fresh ice. Use a fine strainer if you want a smoother texture.
  8. Top with bubbles. Add 2–3 ounces of club soda for a crisp finish, or ginger beer for a spicier, sweeter twist. Stir gently.
  9. Garnish and serve. Add a few pomegranate arils, a thin apple slice, and a strip of lemon peel. A cinnamon stick is nice for aroma.