Angry Orchard Cocktail Recipe

The Angry Orchard cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the popular hard cider brand of the same name. It's a perfect drink for those who love the crisp, refreshing taste of apples, with a bit of a kick. This cocktail is especially popular in the fall, when apple flavors are in season, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

The Angry Orchard cocktail has a crisp, sweet, and slightly tart flavor, with a refreshing apple undertone. The hard cider and apple liqueur give it a strong apple taste, while the cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note.

• The Angry Orchard cocktail is named after the Angry Orchard Hard Cider, which is a key ingredient in the drink.
• Despite its name, the cocktail is not particularly 'angry'. The name is more about branding than the drink's character.
• The cocktail is often garnished with an apple slice or cinnamon stick, to enhance its apple and spice flavors.

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour the apple liqueur and cinnamon schnapps over the ice.
3. Top with the Angry Orchard Hard Cider.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

• Use a chilled glass to keep your cocktail cold for longer.
• For a more intense apple flavor, muddle a few apple slices in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
• Don't over-stir the cocktail, as it can make the cider go flat.

Savory Foods

• Grilled Pork: The sweet apple and spicy cinnamon can complement the char and smoke of grilled meats, especially pork with its natural affinity for apple flavors.
• Roasted Turkey: A classic pairing, the spiciness of the cinnamon and the crispness of the cider can cut through the richness of turkey, making it a great choice for holiday feasts.

Sweet Treats

• Apple Pie: Enhance the apple theme by pairing with a classic apple pie. The layers of apple in both the pie and the cocktail create a harmonious taste experience.
• Cinnamon-sugar Donuts: Ideal for a fall treat, the warm spices in both the donut and the cocktail will echo each other for a cozy, indulgent pairing.

Cheese

• Aged Cheddar or Gouda: The sharpness and nutty flavors of these cheeses contrast nicely with the sweet and fruity profile of the cocktail.

If you can't find Angry Orchard Hard Cider, any hard cider will do. You can also substitute the apple liqueur with apple brandy or apple vodka. If you don't have cinnamon schnapps, you can use a cinnamon-infused spirit or a dash of cinnamon syrup.

Green Apple Twist

• Swap in a green apple liqueur for a tarter profile.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but use green apple liqueur to add a fresh, crisp twist.
• The taste will evoke a more youthful and sour note compared to the original, delivering a zesty punch with every sip.

Fireball Frenzy

• Substitute cinnamon schnapps with Fireball whisky for extra heat.
• Recipe: The same steps, but Fireball whisky brings in a whiskey warmth and a bolder cinnamon taste.
• This version will provide a more intense experience for those who like their drinks with a fiery character.

Fall Spice Medley

• Add a splash of pumpkin spice syrup to the mix for a festive fall cocktail.
• Recipe: Add 0.5 oz of pumpkin spice syrup with the apple liqueur and cinnamon schnapps, then top with Angry Orchard.
• The result is a more complex cocktail that encapsulates the essence of autumn through its blend of seasonal spices.