Our Autumnal Cocktail is a seasonal take on the classic gin sour, inspired by the flavours of orchards, harvests and cooler evenings. The original recipe was created by Chris Chamberlain, lead mixologist at Elixir Craft Cocktails, using freshly pressed cider as its foundation.
For our version, we have opted for a dry cider, which brings a cleaner, crisper character to the drink while allowing the botanicals of Explorer's Gin to shine. The gin's bright citrus notes work beautifully alongside the apple flavours, creating a refreshing balance between fruit and freshness.
A touch of maple syrup adds richness and a subtle autumnal warmth without making the cocktail overly sweet. Cinnamon contributes gentle spice and depth, enhancing the orchard flavours and providing a lingering warmth on the finish. Care is needed, however, as too much cinnamon can quickly dominate the drink and create unwanted cloudiness.
The final appearance and flavour profile may vary slightly depending on the cider, honey or syrup used, making each version a unique reflection of the ingredients at hand.
Ease of Making: Easy, amend quantities as needed.
Glass Type: Coupe or Nika Nora.
Taste: Clean, crisp with autumnal tones.
Recipe:
- 50ml Explorer’s Gin.
- 50ml Cider.
- 10ml Lemon juice, fresh.
- 10ml Maple syrup.
- 1 Dash aromatic bitters.
- 1 Pinch cinnamon (optional).
- Garnish with Apple or lemon peel.
Method:
- Place Explorer’s, apple cider, lemon juice, honey syrup, aromatic bitters and cinnamon into your cocktail shaker.
- Add hand full of ice and shake until the shaker frosts on the outside.
- Double strain using a handheld strainer into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with either your lemon peel or apple slice
Variations:
- Replace maple syrup with a honey syrup, this uses the same quantities as our simple sugar syrup.
- Replace the classic cider with a flavoured cider.
- Replace cider with Perry (Pear Cider).
