fall inspiration series part 8: beverages! (guest blogger Steph/bubblerock)

from jacin: i am so happy to have Steph from bubblerock studios for today’s guest post.  she’s witty, fun, and adorable!  i am so lucky to have met her through the twitter wedding world - you need to check her out too!  from film to music, design and photography, she loves to do it all - adding her own touch to everything she works on!  so today here you have it, another post in our fall inspiration series (twitter #fallinspiration) from steph!

from steph: When Jacin had this call out on Twitter about guest blogging for her, I was in instantly. And I am so glad she went with it and here I am now sharing with you some great finds.

So we are talking Fall-inspired drinks, right? It’s getting dark and colder now (not here in New Zealand though – just thought I’d throw it in there) so you need to find this signature drink that will make you feel better about Fall and Winter being on their way.

For me, Fall is the season of apples and pears; so I thought I’d talk about three great cider ideas. It’s quite amazing what you can do with cider! I love cider in summer and in cold weathers but I never thought of its possibilities until now so here are a few tips or recipes for this Fall.

First I would really urge you to try pear cider. We traditionally think cider and apple but pear cider is really nice too. I don’t find it as sweet either so I enjoy that a lot.

So onto those great ideas!

For a cold, refreshing drink:
Think cider with ice and a slice of lemon. I tried that after a hot summer day walking the streets of London, and trust me, this was one of the most refreshing drinks I have ever had.

Cider & Orange cocktail – my favourite:
This is something I had years ago and only in that one cafe in the middle of the French countryside where I was living. A cold cider cocktail made with cider, orange juice and orange sorbet. It sounds so simple but trust me, this was divine; and so easy to make.
So how to make it:
You will need cider, orange juice and orange sorbet.
I would have 2/3 cider, 1/3 orange juice and one nice scoop of sorbet.
Then just simply serve with a long spoon in a long glass.
Tip: I would personally choose sweet cider as opposed to dry; but just use what you like best.

But then, there is warm cider punch. Yes.

I think people always think about mulled wine – but have you ever thought about doing something similar with cider? Below you will find an easy recipe. I haven’t tried it yet but I can’t wait for a little cold weather in New Zealand (let’s hope not for a few months though) so I can to justify drinking that. Or maybe it will be my signature drink when Christmas comes around no matter how hot it is going to be here.

I bet you had no idea of the endless possibilities of this real Fall-inspired drink: cider!  But now you know and I bet some of you will put those ideas to good use. I certainly will.

Enjoy and thanks again Jacin for the opportunity.

And now, I will leave you with the Cider Punch recipe from Diana’s Desserts {find recipe here} 
Servings: 12-16
Ingredients:
2 quarts (2 liters) apple cider
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. mint leaves
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 oranges, sliced
Cloves
1/2 cup apricot brandy or other spirits (optional)
Garnish:
Orange slices (with cloves stuck in them)
Cinnamon sticks
Apple slices

Instructions:
In large saucepan combine cider, cinnamon, mint, nutmeg and sugar. Stick cloves into orange slices and add to cider. Simmer slowly (do not boil). Before serving, add alcohol if desired. Pour into punch bowl and garnish with orange slices (stuck with whole cloves), cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

Tip  Honey or brown sugar may be substituted in recipe for the powdered sugar if needed.