The Fall Classic is a perfect cocktail to serve when hosting for the holidays, bursting with the warm flavors of the season. Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider was a staple of our family holiday gatherings, served at the kid’s table while the grown-ups sipped Champagne. Named for our love of baseball, this easy-drinking crowd-pleaser can be sized up and served as a punch for fuss-free entertaining.
The Fall Classic
Peach State Pizza, Atlanta, GA
1.5oz Cognac
.75oz St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur
.75 Lemon Juice
.5oz 100% Maple Syrup
2oz Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
Combine spirits, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a champagne flute. Top up with chilled sparkling cider. Garnish with a lemon twist, or cranberries if you want to get fancy.
Make it a Punch
Makes about 12-15 servings. Just double the recipe for a larger party.
1btl (750ml) Cognac
1.5 cups St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur
1.5 cups Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 cup 100% Maple Syrup
1.5 cups Water
4 cups Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
Combine spirits, lemon juice, maple syrup, and water, and refrigerate for at least two-hours. When you are ready to serve, pour ¾ of the punch mix into a large bowl with ice, then stir for about ten seconds. Add one bottle of sparkling cider, then stir gently to mix for a few seconds more. Garnish with lemon wheels, orange wheels, and cranberries. When the punch is about half full, refresh with the rest of the punch mix and another half bottle of sparkling cider.