Downeast Cider Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a highball or Collins glass briefly by filling it with ice and setting aside while you mix the drink (about 2–3 minutes). Discard the chilling ice before building if you prefer a less-dilute cocktail; otherwise leave a few cubes in the glass for serving.

2. 2

   Mix base ingredients

   In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine the rye whiskey or bourbon (1.5 fl oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 fl oz), maple syrup (0.5 tbs), and ginger liqueur or syrup if using (0.5 tsp). Add the Angostura bitters (2 dashes). Add a handful of ice (enough to chill the shaker) and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to properly combine and chill.

3. 3

   Strain and top

   If you chilled and emptied the serving glass, add fresh ice to the glass now. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass. Slowly top with chilled dry or semi-dry cider (6 fl oz) to preserve carbonation. Give the drink one gentle stir (1–2 turns) to integrate the cider with the shaken base without flattening it.

4. 4

   Garnish and serve

   Float or rest an apple slice on the rim or surface of the drink and add a rosemary sprig if desired for aroma. Serve immediately so the cider stays effervescent.

5. 5

   Notes

   Use a dry or semi-dry New England-style cider for a traditional 'Downeast' apple flavor; adjust maple syrup to taste for sweetness. Swap whiskey style to preference; rye adds spice, bourbon adds roundness. For a non-alcoholic version, omit whiskey and increase cider to 7.5–8 fl oz, keeping lemon and maple to balance.