Name: Apple Cider Sparkler Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 ounce Irish whiskey (or bourbon); 1/2 tsp. sugar free instant apple cider drink mix; 6 ounces Diet ginger ale, (or to taste); Ice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for rim); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional for rim); Apple slice (optional for garnish); Cinnamon stick (optional for garnish)

CHEERS!This past week has given me many reasons to raise my glass, and I can think of no liquid I’d rather have in it right now than today’s feature: my skinny Apple Cider Sparkler Cocktail.

This skinny apple cider sparkler cocktail is gingery, cidery, appley, autumn nectar. With a mix of fall flavors, it is crisp, bubbly, and packed with seasonal tastes that I love.

What I’m celebrating this week:

1. My Minneapolis friends Megan and Cam were married Saturday!

The wedding was absolutely gorgeous, yet somehow THIS is the one picture I shot of the event:

What is wrong with me? Items for urgent consideration:

Megan was 1,000++ times more stunning than those tiers
The cake was fluff-tastic

2. Ben has a job!

After weeks of non-stop travel around the upper Midwest for interviews, Ben has accepted an internship offer with a Wisconsin firm about which he’s truly excited. We had the pleasure of celebrating over dinner with a few of the firm’s lawyers and their spouses last night. The meal and company were lovely, and I feel like I have a better picture of where Ben will be next summer and (fingers crossed) for the long term.

3. Notre Dame is UNDEFEATED

I probably just alienated half of my audience (and maybe jinxed the Irish), but I’m going to revel while I can. We finally have a chance at a BCS bowl, and I’m torn between unadulterated exaltation and nervous agony for the weeks ahead.

4. It’s Tuesday. Life is good. I like you.

So many reasons to rejoice! Find yours and toast with this APPLE CIDER SPARKLER cocktail.

I’d love to know: What are you celebrating this week? Comment below and CHEERS!

What’s the Best Alcohol to Mix with Apple Cider?

I have two favorite ways to make this Apple Cider Sparkler cocktail: One is with Irish Whiskey. I use 2Gingers, which is distributed in the Twin Cities (my current bottle was a kickin’ wedding gift), but the widely-sold Jameson is a solid choice. My other preferred variation, which I think is especially good in the fall, is to make this cocktail with bourbon. I adore smooth Bulleit, but feel free experiment.

What Goes Well with Apple Cider Cocktail?

Whether you’re serving this drink for yourself or a party, here are some delicious pairings:

Cookies. Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, and Chocolate Ginger Cookies would all be tasty.
Appetizers. Both Ham and Cheese Pinwheels and Cranberry Brie Bites would be delicious.
Apple. Other recipes with apple flavor like Apple Bread or Vegan Apple Crisp would be a great pairing with this drink.

Other Delicious Cocktail Recipes

Diet ginger ale and sugar-free apple cider make for a super-skinny cocktail that is high on the flavor but low on guilt. Sip freely!

ReviewPrint