How to Make an Apple Cider Sour

overhead view of yellow drinks in etched crystal tumblers garnished with star anise spice and cinnamon. Red pears surround the drink.

This glorious cocktail celebrates the best flavours of fall. 

by Erin Henderson

If you follow The Wine Sisters on Instagram, or have been reading here for a while, you know apéro is a way of life for us.
 
There is just something so satisfyingly civilized about a 5 o’clock tipple and light bite. A punctuation to wind down the work day, and add a soft energy to the evening.
 
Now that fall is here, and city folk are preparing to swarm apple orchards for a little country air, I was reminded of one of my favourite autumn cocktails.

Apple Cider Sour

I originally called this the Calvados Sour, since I originally made it with Calvados. Makes sense, right?

But this year I’m calling it the Apple Cider Sour because I’m non-committal in my wanton, Aquarian ways and will not be tied down.
 
Serves: 1
Bartender level: Easy as apple pie

Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Calvados (brandy will do in a pinch)
  • 2 oz unsweetened, non-alcoholic apple cider
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ oz brown sugar simple syrup (optional; I would skip this if you use sweetened apple cider)
  • Dried apple slice for garnish
How to Make It: 
  1. Combine all ingredients except apple slice in a shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. About 10 seconds.
  2. Strain into a coup or martini glass and garnish with dried apple.

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