When planning your next fiesta, try this little life hack: Instead of setting up an elaborate cocktail station or a full bar, offer a few kinds of cold cider in a cooler or the fridge, and one signature cocktail. To make things even easier on yourself, make the cocktail a batch cocktail, something you can whip up just before guests arrive, and something that everyone can self-serve from a pitcher.
We’ve been digging cider cocktails that add fresh, unexpected ingredients, like this Jalapeño Pitcher Ciderita. A dry, session cider, plus the brightness of lime juice, tingly spiciness of hot peppers, and the boozy kick of tequila make for a wicked-good combo — a perfect pairing with tacos, shrimp cocktail, grilled veggies, or simply enjoyed with friends and a high-energy playlist.
Jalapeño Pitcher Ciderita
Ready in: 5 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup silver tequila
- 2 cups hard cider
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Kosher salt, for serving
- Ice, for serving
Method
- Combine simple syrup, sliced jalapeño, lime juice, tequila and hard cider in large pitcher. This can be done ahead of time, the longer the mixture sits, the spicier it will be. Stir prior to serving.
- Coat rim of serving glasses with lime. Spread salt in small, shallow dish and dip glass rims in to coat. Fill glasses with ice and top with cider mixture.
Video, recipe and photo by Dish Works.