Try this spiked cider cocktail

treehorn cider growler.jpg

Do me a favor: Don't judge cider until you've tried a truly tasty one. I'm talking about craft hard cider.

Yes, that exists! And Treehorn Cider is perhaps the best example of craft hard cider: It is crisp, refreshing and pleasantly dry, unlike the sticky-sweet stuff you've likely had in college. Made in Marietta, Georgia, Treehorn uses only the best-quality, locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, which is enough to make me love it without ever taking a sip. 

Treehorn Cider on tap (c) Tomas Espinoza

Treehorn Cider on tap (c) Tomas Espinoza

Luckily, sip it I did, and I instantly knew I found my new favorite after-work drink order! Treehorn is already available in numerous restaurants and package stores throughout Atlanta, so it's easily available for your next happy hour, whether you're going out or propping your feet up at home after a long day. 

(c) Tomas Espinoza

(c) Tomas Espinoza

While it tastes great on its own, just like craft beer, Treehorn Cider can also be a fantastic ingredient for a cocktail (hello, perfect fall beverage!). Which is precisely why I'd like to present to you Jackie Treehorn: A lovely little libation created by Joshua Martin, bar manager of The Comet Pub & Lanes in Decatur. It's available at the restaurant, obvi, but is also a breeze to make at home. Enjoy! 

Jackie Treehorn:

Jackie Treehorn cocktail from Comet Pub & Lanes (c) Tori Allen PR

Jackie Treehorn cocktail from Comet Pub & Lanes (c) Tori Allen PR

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Bacardi 8-year Rum

  • 1 oz Broadbent Rainwater Madeira

  • 0.75 oz Amaro di Angostura

  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

Directions
Build in a shaker tin, add ice, shake and strain into a pint glass. Add fresh ice, and top with Treehorn dry cider. Garnish with a large lemon swath expressed over the glass.

P.S.: If you're looking to purchase Treehorn Cider for your home, two kinds are available: Treehorn Dry Cider and Treehorn Ginger Reserve. You can grab a growler of either at your favorite shop, or for a six-pack of cans, check out retailers, such as Total Wine, Whole Foods, Tower Wine, Green's, and Hop City, among many others.