Mike's Mix: Cider Cocktails

Every Saturday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he mixes things up and brings you a few cider cocktails that will be served at the Minnesota Monthly Fine Spirits Classic.

Lemon Tree

In a pilsner glass, combine equal parts:

• Crispin Original
• Leinie's Summer Shandy

Sweet Tart

In a pilsner glass, combine equal parts:

• Crispin Original
• Leinie's Grapefruit Shandy

Crispin Blackberry Pear Mojito

6 oz. Crispin Blackberry Pear Cider
12 Ripe Blackberries
10 large mint leaves
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
6 to 8 ice cubes
1 pear, thinly sliced

Muddle Blackberries, mint leaves, sugar and lime juice in a tall glass. Add 6 ounces of Crispin Blackberry Pear cider and ice.  Stir well, garnish with a thinly sliced pear wedge.

Taste Test

If you can pour liquid into a glass you can make the first two cocktails.  Mixing cider, beer (and, if you want, liquor) in differing proportions is an easy and fun way to make a unique drink; you don't always need to get complicated.

I liken the taste of the Lemon Tree to that of a lemon drop, just drier and more effervescent.  The Sweet Tart is aptly named, and tastes like one of my favorite childhood candies.

The Blackberry Pear Mojito is a light (both in taste and alcohol content) and refreshing drink that reminded me a lot of sangria.  Sweet, but not too sweet, thanks to the dryness and fizz of the cider.

For More

These cocktails, and more, will be a part of the Minnesota Monthly Fine Spirits Classic, taking place Thursday July 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Minneapolis Event Centers. Tickets are $45 in advance, but you can get a $5 discount off each ticket by using the promo code 'WCCO' online